Praising His Grace: The History of the Wisconsin Synod in Japan, 1957-1982, Book I (1543-1957)

Abstract

Book I of Praising His Grace traces the early history of Christianity in Japan and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s (WELS) initial mission efforts from 1952 to 1957. The authors outline Japan’s complex religious landscape—Shintoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism—and the cultural challenges missionaries faced. The book details the arrival of Pastor Fred Tiefel, the first WELS missionary to Japan, his language work, Bible instruction, and the establishment of worship services. It also recounts the impact of postwar openness to Christianity and the internal WELS controversy over church fellowship with the LCMS, which culminated in Tiefel’s resignation and withdrawal from fellowship. The mission’s abrupt end in 1957 resulted in the loss of property and materials. The authors evaluate the theological and cultural tensions that shaped this “first” WELS mission in Japan, offering insight into the complexities of cross-cultural ministry and denominational conflict. Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)