Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c212IR // #c212Synthesis

Not only human beings, but birds, beasts, plants and trees, seas and mountains, and all other things whatsoever which deserve to be dreaded and revered for the extraordinary and pre-eminent powers which they possess, are called Kami.

— In our words · Source: Shinto: The Ancient Religion of Japan (William George Aston)

[Use when]

When deciding what counts as a 'god' in someone else's religion, use their criterion (dread-worthy power), not yours (moral perfection).

[Why it matters]

The widest working definition of divinity in the book — dread and reverence for extraordinary power, with no requirement of goodness, nobleness, or serviceableness.

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