Shinto's optimistic view of life and humanity lends to its reputation as one of the more positive religions in existence today. Cleanliness really is next to godliness, and ancestors are revered as "kami".

Shinto has no rigid guidelines, no definitive texts, no firm distinction between right and wrong and lacks the tense relationship between the gods and the believers that are present in most Western religions.

As you browse through the following pages, you'll learn more about the rich history, varied forms, principles, rituals and practices and various shrines of the Shinto faith. To direct you to more detailed information on these topics, links and references have been provided at the bottom of every page.