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Page 1: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Societal Societal Change Change

Through Through ReligionReligion

Protestantism and BuddhismProtestantism and BuddhismBuilding awareness of social Building awareness of social

changes through religion. changes through religion.

Page 2: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

IntentionIntention

Bring about awareness and development of religion• To build a stronger community • Foster tolerance, acceptance, and diversity

Support other work and research • Meditation/yoga in schools• Student attention and mindfulness

To inform and create programs• Behavior• Academic • Social studies and history

Page 3: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Audience Audience

The audience for this presentation is:• Religious groups, churches - Universalist ceremony• Protestant and Buddhist churches and temples• Schools

Community Groups:• Political movements• Volunteer work and programs • Fundraising

Religious Education (schools and churches)• Social Studies, History• Music• Reading • Character programs

Page 4: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Social Change Through Social Change Through ReligionReligion

Page 5: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

What is religion?What is religion?

According to Max Weber, Emile Durkheim, and According to Max Weber, Emile Durkheim, and Rodney Stark: Rodney Stark:

ControlControl SupernaturalSupernatural God(s)God(s) MagicMagic Beliefs and RitesBeliefs and Rites FaithFaith Sacred Sacred CharismaCharisma

Page 6: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Disjoined Definition of Disjoined Definition of Religion Religion

A disjoined definition of religion will be accepted A disjoined definition of religion will be accepted Cover three main ideas:Cover three main ideas:

The supernatural or natureThe supernatural or nature Behaviors or practicesBehaviors or practices Universal truths of meaningUniversal truths of meaning

Both Stark (2004) and Weber (1963) support and agree Both Stark (2004) and Weber (1963) support and agree that there is no true or possible conjoined definition of that there is no true or possible conjoined definition of religion because of its complex intellectual religion because of its complex intellectual conventions and its understanding coming out of conventions and its understanding coming out of perception and perspective, which shades the subject perception and perspective, which shades the subject involved (p. 1, xxvii). Durkheim (1995) on the other involved (p. 1, xxvii). Durkheim (1995) on the other hand defined religion mostly around beliefs and hand defined religion mostly around beliefs and practices, which are united through a moral practices, which are united through a moral community (p. 44).community (p. 44).

Page 7: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Disjoined Definition of Disjoined Definition of Religion Religion

In finding middle ground and combining the In finding middle ground and combining the ideas before a unified definition of religion ideas before a unified definition of religion would be…would be…

The beliefs and practices about the The beliefs and practices about the existence and nature of the supernatural existence and nature of the supernatural and ultimate meaning.and ultimate meaning.

Page 8: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

ProtestantismProtestantism

A monotheistic religion that believes in one God that A monotheistic religion that believes in one God that is a holy Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is a holy Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, although some Protestant groups disagree (Stark, although some Protestant groups disagree (Stark, 2007 p. 293, 322). 2007 p. 293, 322).

Jesus is the founder and main religious figure in Jesus is the founder and main religious figure in Christianity who was born of Virgin Mary in Christianity who was born of Virgin Mary in Bethlehem (p. 282-288). Bethlehem (p. 282-288).

Jesus is believed to be the Son of God and led a life Jesus is believed to be the Son of God and led a life of purity, service, love, forgiveness, and without sin of purity, service, love, forgiveness, and without sin (p. 283). (p. 283).

The Bible is the main text for all Christians and is The Bible is the main text for all Christians and is made up of two large sections the Old and New made up of two large sections the Old and New Testament. Testament.

Christianity is made up of three large branches Christianity is made up of three large branches Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestants.Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestants.

Page 9: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

ProtestantismProtestantism

Protestantism derived out of the reformation in the 16Protestantism derived out of the reformation in the 16thth century, which protested and rejected the movement of the century, which protested and rejected the movement of the Catholic Church. Protestantism believes in salvation through Catholic Church. Protestantism believes in salvation through the doctrines of justification by grace through faith (Stark, 2007 the doctrines of justification by grace through faith (Stark, 2007 p. 293).p. 293).

There are many denominations of Protestantism, which hold There are many denominations of Protestantism, which hold different beliefs towards sacraments, a demonstration and sign different beliefs towards sacraments, a demonstration and sign of inner spiritual feelings. of inner spiritual feelings.

The main purpose and practice of Christians is to know, love, The main purpose and practice of Christians is to know, love, and serve God by having faith in the true God and resurrection, and serve God by having faith in the true God and resurrection, doing good works, and participating in sacraments. doing good works, and participating in sacraments.

The main doctrine of Christianity includes the Apostles Creed The main doctrine of Christianity includes the Apostles Creed and the Ten Commandments (Stark, 2007 p. 292, 293). Most and the Ten Commandments (Stark, 2007 p. 292, 293). Most Christians also practice those beliefs through prayer, Bible Christians also practice those beliefs through prayer, Bible study, church services, good deeds, and celebrating holidays. study, church services, good deeds, and celebrating holidays.

The largest differences center on denying purgatory, rejecting The largest differences center on denying purgatory, rejecting praying to Saints, ideas around the priesthood, sacraments, praying to Saints, ideas around the priesthood, sacraments, free will, papacy, and authority given to Scripture alone. free will, papacy, and authority given to Scripture alone.

Page 10: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

BuddhismBuddhism

Buddhism is a pantheistic, universal, and godless religion (Stark, Buddhism is a pantheistic, universal, and godless religion (Stark, 2007 p. 241). 2007 p. 241).

Siddhartha Gautama who later became Buddha and the founder and Siddhartha Gautama who later became Buddha and the founder and main religious figure of Buddhism grew up as a prince who later main religious figure of Buddhism grew up as a prince who later denounced his royal family and upbringing to search for denounced his royal family and upbringing to search for enlightenment through meditation (p. 237-238). enlightenment through meditation (p. 237-238).

The main text is called the Tipitaka, which means the three baskets.The main text is called the Tipitaka, which means the three baskets. The life purpose and main practices that affect the human situation The life purpose and main practices that affect the human situation

is gaining enlightenment and obtaining the “release from the cycle is gaining enlightenment and obtaining the “release from the cycle of rebirth” and reincarnation through the doctrines of the three of rebirth” and reincarnation through the doctrines of the three jewels, for Noble truths, and utilizing the eightfold path (Stark, jewels, for Noble truths, and utilizing the eightfold path (Stark, 2007 p. 238-240). 2007 p. 238-240).

The three jewels govern all Buddhist practices and consist of the The three jewels govern all Buddhist practices and consist of the faith in Buddha, faith in law taught by him, and the community faith in Buddha, faith in law taught by him, and the community following his teaching (p. 239).following his teaching (p. 239).

Page 11: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

BuddhismBuddhism

The four Noble truths, which includes: truth of misery that describes life The four Noble truths, which includes: truth of misery that describes life as suffering; truth of desire, describing that craving for happiness and as suffering; truth of desire, describing that craving for happiness and pleasure within us creates the suffering; truth that desire may be pleasure within us creates the suffering; truth that desire may be overcome; and the method for eliminating that desire comes from overcome; and the method for eliminating that desire comes from following the eightfold path (p. 240). following the eightfold path (p. 240).

The eightfold path can be divided into three major concepts such as The eightfold path can be divided into three major concepts such as wisdom, ethics, and meditation. Wisdom is made up of two of the eight wisdom, ethics, and meditation. Wisdom is made up of two of the eight paths including right view or vision (experience and perception) and paths including right view or vision (experience and perception) and right thought (awareness). Ethics is made up of three of the eight paths right thought (awareness). Ethics is made up of three of the eight paths including right speech, right action, and right livelihood. Meditation is including right speech, right action, and right livelihood. Meditation is made up of the last three paths of eight that include great effort made up of the last three paths of eight that include great effort (intention and purpose), right mindfulness, and right concentration (intention and purpose), right mindfulness, and right concentration (meditation) (p. 240). (meditation) (p. 240).

The concept of the afterlife includes reincarnation and the goal of The concept of the afterlife includes reincarnation and the goal of obtaining nirvana, which is where the ego is extinguished, as it becomes obtaining nirvana, which is where the ego is extinguished, as it becomes and unfolds into full conciseness that is thought to be “indefinable and and unfolds into full conciseness that is thought to be “indefinable and inexpressible.” (Stark, 2007 p. 240) inexpressible.” (Stark, 2007 p. 240)

Page 12: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

BuddhismBuddhism

Buddhist philosophy centers on the concept that suffering is Buddhist philosophy centers on the concept that suffering is brought about through craving and desire (p. 240).brought about through craving and desire (p. 240).

Buddhist doctrine teaches that, “Salvation does not come Buddhist doctrine teaches that, “Salvation does not come from God or Gods, but from one’s own efforts.” (p. 243) “It is from God or Gods, but from one’s own efforts.” (p. 243) “It is a doctrine of salvation by works alone.” (p. 243) Religious a doctrine of salvation by works alone.” (p. 243) Religious authority is then given to practice and Dharma. This religious authority is then given to practice and Dharma. This religious authority and practice can be broken up into different sects authority and practice can be broken up into different sects of Buddhism, which all follow different precepts or rules. of Buddhism, which all follow different precepts or rules.

Similar to most religions the five main precepts, which most Similar to most religions the five main precepts, which most Buddhist sects follow would include: not killing, not stealing, Buddhist sects follow would include: not killing, not stealing, not lying, no intoxicants, and no sexual abuse (Durkheim, not lying, no intoxicants, and no sexual abuse (Durkheim, 1994 p. 82). By following these rules and practices outlined 1994 p. 82). By following these rules and practices outlined above, Durkheim (1995) reiterated that Buddhism is a above, Durkheim (1995) reiterated that Buddhism is a religion, even though it is godless, by accepting “the religion, even though it is godless, by accepting “the existence of sacred things, mainly, the four Noble truths and existence of sacred things, mainly, the four Noble truths and practices that are derived from them.” (p. 35)practices that are derived from them.” (p. 35)

Page 13: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Differences and Differences and Similarities of Buddhism Similarities of Buddhism

and Protestantismand Protestantism DifferencesDifferences

Concept and belief of GodConcept and belief of God Buddhism is pantheistic, Protestantism Buddhism is pantheistic, Protestantism

monotheisticmonotheistic Salvation, suffering, and afterlifeSalvation, suffering, and afterlife Scripture and textsScripture and texts

SimilaritiesSimilarities The Golden RuleThe Golden Rule Buddha and Jesus rejected extreme asceticismBuddha and Jesus rejected extreme asceticism Believe in a life after deathBelieve in a life after death Similar forms of worship and ritualsSimilar forms of worship and rituals Prayer, meditation, and songs Prayer, meditation, and songs

Page 14: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Classical TheoriesClassical Theories

Durkheim, Emile (1858-1917) Sociologist Durkheim, Emile (1858-1917) Sociologist Weber, Max (1864-1920) Sociologist Weber, Max (1864-1920) Sociologist Stark, Rodney Current Sociologist of Religion Stark, Rodney Current Sociologist of Religion

How religious practice influences societal changeHow religious practice influences societal change How community, organizations, congregations, How community, organizations, congregations,

and education influence societal changeand education influence societal change Economic and political influences societal changeEconomic and political influences societal change Buddhism and Protestantism affects on social Buddhism and Protestantism affects on social

changechange Differences and Similarities of Buddhism and Differences and Similarities of Buddhism and

Protestantism on the affects on social changeProtestantism on the affects on social change

Page 15: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Religious Practice andReligious Practice andSocietal ChangeSocietal Change

Rituals, morals, and ethicsRituals, morals, and ethics Moral communityMoral community Connection and human relationshipConnection and human relationship Conformity Conformity Faith Faith According to Durkheim (as cited in Stark, 2007) According to Durkheim (as cited in Stark, 2007)

the “purpose of rituals is ‘strengthening the ties the “purpose of rituals is ‘strengthening the ties between the faithful and their God,’ what they between the faithful and their God,’ what they really do is strengthen the ‘ties between the really do is strengthen the ‘ties between the individual and society… the God being only a individual and society… the God being only a figurative representation of the society.’” (p.14)figurative representation of the society.’” (p.14)

Education and evolution Education and evolution

Page 16: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Community, Community, Organizations, Organizations,

Congregations, and Congregations, and Education Education

Churches that create an organizational Churches that create an organizational community receive new life, energy, and community receive new life, energy, and momentum through the emphasis of ritualized momentum through the emphasis of ritualized structure and practices.structure and practices.

Stark (Stark, 2004) explained that most religions Stark (Stark, 2004) explained that most religions generate congregations which are “groups of generate congregations which are “groups of adherents who meet regularly for religious adherents who meet regularly for religious reasons.” (p. 116) reasons.” (p. 116) Traditional congregation, un-churched and include Traditional congregation, un-churched and include

folk religions, audience religions, privatized folk religions, audience religions, privatized religions, client religions and creedless religious religions, client religions and creedless religious groupsgroups

Page 17: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Community, Community, Organizations, Organizations,

Congregations, and Congregations, and Education Education

A cultural foundation formed by religious A cultural foundation formed by religious communities and churches with the intent of communities and churches with the intent of offering stability impacts society. offering stability impacts society.

In churched and unchurched religion creeds In churched and unchurched religion creeds and congregations play important and congregations play important transformative roles by practicing and transformative roles by practicing and participating in rites and rituals, which participating in rites and rituals, which communicate morals and ethics where communicate morals and ethics where education then starts to play a role in helping education then starts to play a role in helping communities and religious organizations create communities and religious organizations create and maintain moral and ethical standards. and maintain moral and ethical standards.

Page 18: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Community, Community, Organizations, Organizations,

Congregations, and Congregations, and Education Education Durkheim and Pickering (1994) explained that we must Durkheim and Pickering (1994) explained that we must

perfect and purify our virtues through education (p. 29).perfect and purify our virtues through education (p. 29). Weber (1963) explained the process of education happening Weber (1963) explained the process of education happening

through intellectualism that was handed down through through intellectualism that was handed down through individuals influenced by a winning prophet or permanent individuals influenced by a winning prophet or permanent helper meaning apostles, disciples, comrades, or followers helper meaning apostles, disciples, comrades, or followers (p. 60, 120). (p. 60, 120).

Education’s role in religion is critical because it is a system Education’s role in religion is critical because it is a system created out of a community and organization that supports a created out of a community and organization that supports a congregations ability to instill, support, and teach morals congregations ability to instill, support, and teach morals and ethics, which effect society.and ethics, which effect society.

Regardless of the type of community, organization, or Regardless of the type of community, organization, or congregation the ability for education to impart knowledge, congregation the ability for education to impart knowledge, religious ethics, and morals is and will continue to be religious ethics, and morals is and will continue to be important play a key role in directing social change.important play a key role in directing social change.

A community, educational system, and religion all have A community, educational system, and religion all have strong economic and political influences on societal change strong economic and political influences on societal change as well. as well.

Page 19: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Economic and Political Economic and Political InfluencesInfluences

According to Durkheim and Pickering (1994) economic According to Durkheim and Pickering (1994) economic action is not the most primitive social phenomena, but action is not the most primitive social phenomena, but religion is because “in principle, everything is religion is because “in principle, everything is religious.” (p. 326) Religion does not depend as much religious.” (p. 326) Religion does not depend as much on the economy as the economy depends on religion on the economy as the economy depends on religion (p. 326).(p. 326).

Weber (1963) also described the significance of Weber (1963) also described the significance of religion as creating a strong bond and influence on religion as creating a strong bond and influence on family by unifying and influencing internal economic family by unifying and influencing internal economic relationships especially within domestic communities relationships especially within domestic communities (p. 15).(p. 15).

Weber (1963) also outlined that there were Weber (1963) also outlined that there were “distinctive economic achievements of Judaism in the “distinctive economic achievements of Judaism in the Middle Ages” including: the participation in money Middle Ages” including: the participation in money lending, pawn broking, commodity businesses, lending, pawn broking, commodity businesses, retailing, peddling, trade, wholesale business with the retailing, peddling, trade, wholesale business with the brokerage stocks, money changing, the financing brokerage stocks, money changing, the financing state agencies, wars, colonial enterprises, tax state agencies, wars, colonial enterprises, tax farming, banking, credit, and bond issues (p. 248).farming, banking, credit, and bond issues (p. 248).

Page 20: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Economic and Political Economic and Political InfluencesInfluences

Religious duty harnessed from the community Religious duty harnessed from the community through economic interests also supported the through economic interests also supported the struggle against authoritarian government and struggle against authoritarian government and gave religion reason and direction to increase gave religion reason and direction to increase support toward politics (Weber, 2002 p. 102, 212). support toward politics (Weber, 2002 p. 102, 212).

According to Weber (1963) Christianity’s According to Weber (1963) Christianity’s institutionalization led to the approval and power institutionalization led to the approval and power of “political authority in secular society,” as well of “political authority in secular society,” as well as, within the church (p. lviii). He also reiterated as, within the church (p. lviii). He also reiterated that “salvation religions usually emerge when the that “salvation religions usually emerge when the ruling classes, noble or middle class, have lost ruling classes, noble or middle class, have lost their political power to a bureaucratic, militaristic their political power to a bureaucratic, militaristic imperial state.” (Weber, 1963 p. 122)imperial state.” (Weber, 1963 p. 122)

The problems with political power coupled with The problems with political power coupled with religion usually spawns into a physical force of religion usually spawns into a physical force of violence brought about through disagreements violence brought about through disagreements and politics (p. lviii).and politics (p. lviii).

Page 21: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Economic and Political Economic and Political InfluencesInfluences

Weber (1963) also believed that “all politics is Weber (1963) also believed that “all politics is orientated to the material fact of the common orientated to the material fact of the common interest of the state, to realism, and to the interest of the state, to realism, and to the economists and of maintaining the external and economists and of maintaining the external and internal distribution of power.” (p. 235)internal distribution of power.” (p. 235)

This control and power of politics that Weber This control and power of politics that Weber speaks of is the same thing Stark outlines as he speaks of is the same thing Stark outlines as he defines power as our human nature to want to defines power as our human nature to want to protect and control uncertainties while maximizing protect and control uncertainties while maximizing our potential as we are motivated to develop and our potential as we are motivated to develop and search for answers (Stark, 2004 p. 5-6). search for answers (Stark, 2004 p. 5-6).

Durkheim (1995) also agreed that society creates Durkheim (1995) also agreed that society creates a hierarchy of who is superior or subordinate, a hierarchy of who is superior or subordinate, which creates an organized set of rules, which which creates an organized set of rules, which could be understood as politics (p. 370).could be understood as politics (p. 370).

Page 22: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Buddhism and Buddhism and Protestantism Affects on Protestantism Affects on

Social ChangeSocial Change BuddhismBuddhism

Accepts the existence of sacred things, namely, the Accepts the existence of sacred things, namely, the Four Noble Truths and practices that are derived Four Noble Truths and practices that are derived from them.from them.

About 2 million people, 1656 temples in U.S.About 2 million people, 1656 temples in U.S. Growth and popularity of unchurched and creedless Growth and popularity of unchurched and creedless

religions such as spiritual public lectures, yoga religions such as spiritual public lectures, yoga classes, the study of metaphysics, and mindfulness classes, the study of metaphysics, and mindfulness retreats demonstrates a movement and change of retreats demonstrates a movement and change of society as opening and accepting other cultures society as opening and accepting other cultures and beliefs (Stark, 2004 p.119-121)and beliefs (Stark, 2004 p.119-121)

No resentment, karmaNo resentment, karma Individual improvement and Golden rule – judicial Individual improvement and Golden rule – judicial

system. system.

Page 23: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Buddhism and Buddhism and Protestantism Affects on Protestantism Affects on

Social ChangeSocial Change ProtestantismProtestantism

Social reforms that included minimum wage, pensions, Social reforms that included minimum wage, pensions, disability payments, and a reduced workweekdisability payments, and a reduced workweek

Broadcast over the radio and later TVBroadcast over the radio and later TV Durkheim (1994) also made a profound statement that Durkheim (1994) also made a profound statement that

“religion, thus sustains society and everything is “religion, thus sustains society and everything is religious and religion naturally expresses society.” (p. religious and religion naturally expresses society.” (p. 335) Therefore, giving strength and control to religious 335) Therefore, giving strength and control to religious groups as they plant the seed of ideas to encourage groups as they plant the seed of ideas to encourage moral growth and development within society. moral growth and development within society.

Science integrated with religious thought with an Science integrated with religious thought with an emphasis on humanism and approach to historyemphasis on humanism and approach to history

Humanitarian programsHumanitarian programs Bible as a codification of divine lawBible as a codification of divine law Dedicated to serve others by love and forgiveness Dedicated to serve others by love and forgiveness

without sinwithout sin

Page 24: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Differences and Similarities of Differences and Similarities of Buddhism and Protestantism Buddhism and Protestantism

on Social Changeon Social Change

DifferencesDifferences Growth of Buddhism and Protestantism in the Growth of Buddhism and Protestantism in the

United StatesUnited States Concepts of resentment and karmaConcepts of resentment and karma

SimilaritiesSimilarities Perceive sacred thingsPerceive sacred things Shifting awareness and responsibilityShifting awareness and responsibility Support or create political faith or social law Support or create political faith or social law

impacting the judicial and political systemimpacting the judicial and political system Sacred texts as being divine law – government Sacred texts as being divine law – government

Page 25: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Current Theories Current Theories

Classifications and paradigmsClassifications and paradigms Synthesized perceptionsSynthesized perceptions BenevolenceBenevolence Buddhism and Protestantism Benevolence Buddhism and Protestantism Benevolence

ClassificationsClassifications Religious knowledge and ritualReligious knowledge and ritual Psychological and spiritual investmentPsychological and spiritual investment Religious influence on government and Religious influence on government and

educationeducation Buddhist ChristianityBuddhist Christianity Tolerance and/or unityTolerance and/or unity

Page 26: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Classifications and Classifications and ParadigmsParadigms

Bell (2006) frames the theoretical concepts of religionBell (2006) frames the theoretical concepts of religion Wilson (2005) perceptions and evolutionary Wilson (2005) perceptions and evolutionary

hypotheses hypotheses Economic stratificationEconomic stratification Synthesized perceptionsSynthesized perceptions

Prototype Paradigm Prototype Paradigm Irrational ParadigmIrrational Paradigm World Religion ParadigmWorld Religion Paradigm Cultural Necessity of Religion ParadigmCultural Necessity of Religion Paradigm Religion as a Western Construct ParadigmReligion as a Western Construct Paradigm

Types of evolutionary hypothesis - group-level Types of evolutionary hypothesis - group-level adaptation, individual-level adaptation, and adaptive-adaptation, individual-level adaptation, and adaptive-small groupssmall groups

Protestantism and Buddhism share the world religion Protestantism and Buddhism share the world religion paradigm and the evolutionary hypothesis of adaptive paradigm and the evolutionary hypothesis of adaptive small groups small groups

Page 27: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

BenevolenceBenevolence

Definition and parts of benevolence used in this Definition and parts of benevolence used in this context will include brotherly love, ethics, trust, and context will include brotherly love, ethics, trust, and compassioncompassion Brotherly-love (Weber)Brotherly-love (Weber)

Ethics, trust, compassionEthics, trust, compassion Symonds (2006) outlined five major types of brotherliness Symonds (2006) outlined five major types of brotherliness

from the writings of Weber, which were the Ideal, Puritan, from the writings of Weber, which were the Ideal, Puritan, Mystic (e.g. Buddhism), Organic Christian (Lutheran), and Mystic (e.g. Buddhism), Organic Christian (Lutheran), and Charismatic Communities (p. 137). Charismatic Communities (p. 137).

Compared those five types through five crucial descriptive Compared those five types through five crucial descriptive dimensions highlighted by Weber, which were Universal dimensions highlighted by Weber, which were Universal understanding, Personal/Ethical characteristics, understanding, Personal/Ethical characteristics, Acosmic/World-Denying, Tension with the World (Economic Acosmic/World-Denying, Tension with the World (Economic and Political), and Compromise with the World (p. 137).and Political), and Compromise with the World (p. 137).

Page 28: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Synthesized Synthesized BenevolenceBenevolence

Ideal benevolenceIdeal benevolence Charismatic benevolenceCharismatic benevolence Mystic benevolenceMystic benevolence Organic benevolenceOrganic benevolence Puritan benevolencePuritan benevolence

Buddhism fits into the mystic benevolence Buddhism fits into the mystic benevolence classification, which has a large radius of trust classification, which has a large radius of trust encompassing acquaintances, because it is universal.encompassing acquaintances, because it is universal.

Protestantism fits into the organic benevolence Protestantism fits into the organic benevolence classification, which holds a large circle of trust classification, which holds a large circle of trust towards acquaintances, similarly to mystic towards acquaintances, similarly to mystic benevolence, but also includes strangers.benevolence, but also includes strangers.

Buddhism and Protestantism both fall within the Buddhism and Protestantism both fall within the middle classifications of benevolencemiddle classifications of benevolence

All other areas including personal, ethical, world All other areas including personal, ethical, world denying, economic and political tensions, and denying, economic and political tensions, and compromises with the world are all conversely related.compromises with the world are all conversely related.

Page 29: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Religious Knowledge and Religious Knowledge and Ritual Ritual

Durkheim’s (1995) definition of religion is based on Durkheim’s (1995) definition of religion is based on beliefs encompassing practices and rituals (p. 44).beliefs encompassing practices and rituals (p. 44).

Buddhist communities focus on the meditation Buddhist communities focus on the meditation ritual to communicate and share knowledge such as ritual to communicate and share knowledge such as charity and moral conduct (Jordt, 2006 p. 195). charity and moral conduct (Jordt, 2006 p. 195).

Social identities based on one’s experience and Social identities based on one’s experience and knowledge taken from culture and scienceknowledge taken from culture and science

Mahon (2005) also explained Weber’s theories Mahon (2005) also explained Weber’s theories about cultural transformation regarding ritual and about cultural transformation regarding ritual and practices associated with norms being interpreted practices associated with norms being interpreted as the mechanism of passing on knowledge (p. 60).as the mechanism of passing on knowledge (p. 60).

Passing on knowledge and ultimately transforming Passing on knowledge and ultimately transforming culture through practices and ritualsculture through practices and rituals

Sharing of historical textual knowledge and Sharing of historical textual knowledge and mystical experiencemystical experience

Page 30: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Psychological and Psychological and Spiritual InvestmentSpiritual Investment

Rindfleish (2007) explained that Eastern and Rindfleish (2007) explained that Eastern and Western traditional religions both function to assist Western traditional religions both function to assist in the formation of identity and with the building of in the formation of identity and with the building of self-concept (p. 68).self-concept (p. 68).

Spiritual ego and the social psyche, which is a Spiritual ego and the social psyche, which is a contemporary search for the real self (p. 68, 69)contemporary search for the real self (p. 68, 69)

O'Sullivan (2006) heart rather than the head (p. O'Sullivan (2006) heart rather than the head (p. 520).520).

Ego concept and social psycheEgo concept and social psyche West view it as more as a positive identifying factor West view it as more as a positive identifying factor

in connection to economic development and the East in connection to economic development and the East view it as a hindrance and as something to get rid of.view it as a hindrance and as something to get rid of.

Spiritual connections and direct experiencesSpiritual connections and direct experiences

Page 31: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Psychological and Psychological and Spiritual InvestmentSpiritual Investment

Rindfleish (2007) ego as a self-image, social mask, Rindfleish (2007) ego as a self-image, social mask, and false role we play (p. 70)and false role we play (p. 70)

Uncovering the true self-development and Uncovering the true self-development and interconnectednessinterconnectedness

Departure from both Durkheim and Weber - rites, Departure from both Durkheim and Weber - rites, rituals, organizations, sacredness, political, and rituals, organizations, sacredness, political, and economic modelseconomic models

Afterlife and contributions – practiceAfterlife and contributions – practice Hung-Lin’s (2007) philanthropy the Christian Hung-Lin’s (2007) philanthropy the Christian

doctrine states “love your neighbor as yourself” and doctrine states “love your neighbor as yourself” and Buddhist ideas revolve around being the “great Buddhist ideas revolve around being the “great vehicle,” which supports all life (p. 584, 585). vehicle,” which supports all life (p. 584, 585).

Volunteerism and service Volunteerism and service

Page 32: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Influence on Influence on Government and Government and

EducationEducation Stark (2006) believes that “Christianity created Stark (2006) believes that “Christianity created

Western societies,” and religion is at the heart Western societies,” and religion is at the heart of our culture, which “is why the West is so of our culture, which “is why the West is so powerful.” (p. 19) powerful.” (p. 19)

Symes (2005) is in agreement and further Symes (2005) is in agreement and further explains this religious influence as political explains this religious influence as political conservatism influencing the growth of conservatism influencing the growth of nongovernment schooling (p. 19).nongovernment schooling (p. 19).

Impact of teacher employment Impact of teacher employment Maintaining public security, justice, and welfareMaintaining public security, justice, and welfare Advancement of ScienceAdvancement of Science

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Influence on Influence on Government and Government and

EducationEducation Declaration of Independence has the language “that all Declaration of Independence has the language “that all

men are created equal, endowed by their Creator with men are created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights,” further demonstrating how certain unalienable rights,” further demonstrating how human worth is measured by spiritual, not physical, human worth is measured by spiritual, not physical, terms (Symes, 2005p. 17). terms (Symes, 2005p. 17).

Child-centered education to Jesus-centered education Child-centered education to Jesus-centered education (p.22)(p.22)

Stark (2006) also described how the development and Stark (2006) also described how the development and sense of individualism, personal liberty, equality, moral sense of individualism, personal liberty, equality, moral obligation, and civil society through religion helped end obligation, and civil society through religion helped end slavery (p. 18). slavery (p. 18).

Major partnership and fluctuation of how religion, Major partnership and fluctuation of how religion, education, and government influence each other and education, and government influence each other and support many basic concepts outlined in the works of support many basic concepts outlined in the works of Durkheim and WeberDurkheim and Weber

Page 34: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Buddhist ChristianityBuddhist Christianity

According to Lai (2007) the Christian philosophy can be According to Lai (2007) the Christian philosophy can be interpreted through the Buddhist framework and Chinese interpreted through the Buddhist framework and Chinese philosophy, therefore creating not a comparative philosophy, therefore creating not a comparative situation, but a synthesis of ideas (p. 67). situation, but a synthesis of ideas (p. 67).

One of the main points of agreement was in the “Christian One of the main points of agreement was in the “Christian emphasis on faith instead of elaboration of doctrines, emphasis on faith instead of elaboration of doctrines, similar to that of the Pureland School of Buddhism.” (p. similar to that of the Pureland School of Buddhism.” (p. 70)70)

Lai (2007) also took the stand that the Bible was “written Lai (2007) also took the stand that the Bible was “written by human beings under inspiration of the Holy Spirit,” by human beings under inspiration of the Holy Spirit,” hence resulting in errors of interpretation (p. 71). hence resulting in errors of interpretation (p. 71).

Christian spiritual principles/concepts that can be Christian spiritual principles/concepts that can be interpreted through a Buddhist framework would include interpreted through a Buddhist framework would include the interpretation of Jesus, the crucifixion, and the cross the interpretation of Jesus, the crucifixion, and the cross (Lai, 2007 p. 75-83).(Lai, 2007 p. 75-83).

Term Son of God not exclusiveTerm Son of God not exclusive Both Jesus and Buddha taught to eliminate craving, ill will, Both Jesus and Buddha taught to eliminate craving, ill will,

and delusion through ideal moral character (p. 78). and delusion through ideal moral character (p. 78).

Page 35: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Buddhist ChristianityBuddhist Christianity

The crucifixion as not being penal, but setting an The crucifixion as not being penal, but setting an example (Lai, 2007 p. 76). An example of example (Lai, 2007 p. 76). An example of forgivenessforgiveness

Jesus and Buddha also taught the main concepts Jesus and Buddha also taught the main concepts of overcoming attachments and dealing with self of overcoming attachments and dealing with self (self-love, self-delusion, view of self, and self (self-love, self-delusion, view of self, and self conceit) (p. 77). conceit) (p. 77).

The cross can be interpreted as a crossroads of The cross can be interpreted as a crossroads of humanity and divinity as humanity is the humanity and divinity as humanity is the horizontal and divinity the vertical axis. horizontal and divinity the vertical axis.

Increasing the awareness of the symbol of moral Increasing the awareness of the symbol of moral practice, salvation, and repentance by helping us practice, salvation, and repentance by helping us rediscover our true nature and our inner Christ rediscover our true nature and our inner Christ regardless of religious affiliation (p. 82). regardless of religious affiliation (p. 82).

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Tolerance and UnityTolerance and Unity

How such diverse cultures and philosophies How such diverse cultures and philosophies could find a common ground and similarities – could find a common ground and similarities – not differences not differences

Development of awareness and understanding Development of awareness and understanding through religionthrough religion

The Golden Rule, unity, tolerance, and The Golden Rule, unity, tolerance, and compassion can be used to uncover and compassion can be used to uncover and appreciate diversity, thereby leading to an appreciate diversity, thereby leading to an ultimate truth and uncovering of spiritual ultimate truth and uncovering of spiritual essence within allessence within all

Building tolerance and acceptance toward a Building tolerance and acceptance toward a common goal and unified idea for the common common goal and unified idea for the common good of mangood of man

Page 37: Societal Change Through Religion Protestantism and Buddhism Building awareness of social changes through religion.

Societal Change Through Societal Change Through Religion Summary Religion Summary

Intent and AudienceIntent and Audience What is Religion?What is Religion? Protestantism and Buddhism Protestantism and Buddhism Classical Theories of Durkheim, Stark, and Classical Theories of Durkheim, Stark, and

Weber Weber Practice, Organization, Congregation, Practice, Organization, Congregation,

Education, Economics, and PoliticsEducation, Economics, and Politics Current Theories Current Theories

Classification, Paradigms, Perceptions, Classification, Paradigms, Perceptions, Benevolence, Knowledge, Ritual, Government, Benevolence, Knowledge, Ritual, Government, Education, Buddhist Christianity, Tolerance, and Education, Buddhist Christianity, Tolerance, and UnityUnity

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Bell, C. (2006). Paradigms behind (and before) the modern concept of religion. History & Theory, 45(4), 27-46. Durkheim, E., & Fields, K. E. (1995). The elementary forms of religious life. New York: Free Press.Durkheim, E., & Pickering, W. S. F. (1994). Durkheim on religion. Atlanta, Ga.: Scholars Press.Erdelyi, Å. (2007). Varieties of moral beliefs in the sociology of religion. Max Weber Studies, 7(2), 163-184. Finke, R., & Stark, R. (2005). The churching of america, 1776-2005 : Winners and losers in our religious economy. New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press. Hung-Lin, T., & Powen, Y. (2007). Religion as an investment: Comparing the contributions and volunteer frequency among christians, buddhists, and folk religionists. Southern Economic Journal, 73(3), 770-790. Jordt, I. (2006). Defining a true buddhist: Meditation and knowledge formation in burma. Ethnology, 45(3), 193-207. Lai, P.-C., & So, Y.-t. (2007). Mahayana interpretation of christianity: A case study of zhang chunyi (1871-1955). Buddhist - Christian Studies(27), 67-87. Mahon, J. H. (2005). Weber's protestant ethic and the chinese preference for sons: An application of western sociology to eastern religion. Max Weber Studies, 5(1), 59-80. O'Sullivan, T. (2006). How a buddhist helped a christian love god. Journal of Religion & Health, 45(4), 517-531. Polinska, W. (2007). Christian-buddhist dialogue on loving the enemy. Buddhist - Christian Studies(27), 89-107. Pyle, R. E. (2006). Trends in religious stratification: Have religious group socioeconomic distinctions declined in recent decades? Sociology of Religion, 67(1), 61-79. Rindfleish, J. (2007). The ‚"Death of the ego‚" In east-meets-west spirituality: Diverse views from prominent authors. Zygon: Journal of Religion & Science, 42(1), 65-76. Stark, R. (2004). Exploring the religious life. Baltimore, Md.: Johns Hopkins University Press.Stark, R. (2006). A civil religion. American Enterprise, 17(4), 16-19. Stark, R. (2007). Discovering god : The origins of the great religions and the evolution of belief. New York: HarperOne.Symes, C., & Gulson, K. (2005). Crucifying education: The rise and rise of new christian schooling in australia, Social Alternatives (Vol. 24, pp. 19-24): Social Alternatives. Symonds, M., & Pudsey, J. (2006). The forms of brotherly love in max weber's sociology of religion. Sociological Theory, 24(2), 133-149. Weber, M. (1963). The sociology of religion. Boston: Beacon Press.Weber, M., Baehr, P., & Wells, G. C. (2002). The protestant ethic and the "Spirit" Of capitalism and other writings. New York: Penguin Books.Welch, M. R., Sikkink, D., & Loveland, M. T. (2007). The radius of trust: Religion, social embeddedness and trust in strangers. Social Forces, 86(1), 23-46. Wilson, D. S. (2005). Testing major evolutionary hypotheses about religion with a random sample. Human Nature, 16(4), 382-409.

References

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