What religious belief did Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu outlaw in Japan in 1614?

Tokugawa Ieyasu, as the first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan, sought to unify and stabilize Japan following a long period of civil war. In 1614, he outlawed Christianity, which had been spreading in Japan since the arrival of Portuguese missionaries in the mid-16th century. Ieyasu viewed Christianity as a potential threat to the unity and stability of Japan because it encouraged transnational loyalties and undermined the traditional social and political order. The shogunate was concerned that Christian converts might prioritize their allegiance to foreign powers over loyalty to their country, particularly the influence of European nations.

The outlawing of Christianity also included the persecution of Japanese Christians and the expulsion of missionaries. This move was part of a broader policy of sakoku, or "closed country," which restricted foreign influence and trade in order to maintain the shogunate's control over Japan. In contrast, Buddhism remained a central part of Japanese culture and was not outlawed during this period, nor were Islam and Taoism significant enough in Japan to pose a threat as Christianity did. Thus, the correct answer clearly highlights the specific religious belief that was targeted by Tokugawa Ieyasu's policies.