Recent Religious Movements in Asia - Essay Example

Running Head: RELIGIOUS DEVELOPMENTS IN ASIA Recent religious developments in Asia reflect the social and political developments in the region Name Tutor Institution Course Date Introduction Asia has undergone tremendous religious transformations in the past few decades. Some of the ancient and very conservative religions have also undergone some level of change. Some of Asia’s traditional religious practices include Buddhism which was primarily practiced be Tibetan people. However the Chinese occupation of Tibetan region stripped Tibetans their religious freedom. The presence of the Chinese people made it difficult to openly perform Buddhism. Chinese leaders believed that Buddhism was a backward practice. This practice which was the centre of Tibetan culture has since suffered suppression. Asia boosts of a diverse religious setting. People in the region practice over nine religions which differ in practice. Religion has the power to impact on the social and political aspects of a country. Various religious practices have impacted on social political development in a unique depending on the type of the religion and the region it is practiced. Religious developments influence political and social developments either in a direct way or indirectly. Religion has played a major role in impacting new values and practices to the people of Asia by emphasizing the need to shed off certain tradition beliefs. Religious leaders believed that religion had the capacity to change Asia economically, socially as well as politically. They have the responsibility of enlightening people on political matters and social affairs. Some social political developments have been eroded in the recent past owing to changes in government’s policies and changes in the political scenes. This essay will analyze the impact that religious development has on social and political aspects of the people of Asia. Developments could be negative or positive. Role of religion in social and political development Religious practices in Asia are highly diverse attributed to the large population of people. These religions just to mention a few include: Christianity practiced by Christians, Judaism for the Jewish people, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam is popular with Muslim communities, Hinduism practiced by Indian people, Confucianism is practiced by a group of people who believe in political and social affairs and Lingayatism is a Hindu minority group who worship Shiva. The religions that enjoy the largest number of followers are Catholics, Buddhists and Islam’s. The three are very influential in social, economic and political affairs of the people of Asia. They have a voice in policy making and governance of various countries in Asia. The most significant role that the various religions in Asia have played is the ability to live harmoniously and coexist peacefully. One expects that a region characterized by many religions would experience frequent conflicts. This is however not the case in Asia. Religious leaders have taught their follower the importance of tolerating each other (Ramstedt 2004). Regions have been able to tolerate each other’s religions by appreciating the diversity of religious practices and cultures practiced by others. Tolerance and patience has lead to harmonious and peaceful coexistence between the various religions. This has lead to massive social as well as economic developments. The role of religious leaders across all religions in Asia cannot be under rated. These leaders have played an active role in shaping Asia as it is today. Their ability to pull massive crowds and teach them religious as well educating them on matters that affect their lives is quite significant. Most people believe that the role of religious leaders is to teach religious matters. This is not true their role goes beyond religious teachings. They also have the duty of empowering their followers’ social politically and economically. In Asia leaders have actively participated in shaping politics and economies. Religious leaders have championed for reforms in the governments on behalf of their followers by pointing out the various evils committed by governments. Political evils include corruptions and infringing of citizens rights. Ever religion in Asia has a role which it plays in influencing political as well as social affairs of the region. Research has established that a large number of Muslim extremist adhere completely to the Korans teaching. They practice the teachings precisely without exception. In Christianity and more specifically to those who practice the catholic faith, Pope Benedict XVI has impacted on the Christians social beliefs by exercising authoritarian Catholic practices (Buckley & pomplun 2010). Intervention of religion in the affairs affecting the society is one of the factors that religious leaders are trying to establish. The people who practice Buddhism have been recognized for their capability to crash divisions within the community. Buddhism has also been able to marginalize abilities of Islam and the catholic religion. This act leads to creation of harmony within the social and lead to empowerment of the community socially. Many concerns have been raised on how religious developments are measured. Some people believe that religious development should be measured in regard to population numbers of each particular faith. The religion that has the largest following according to these people has believed to have the greatest religious development. For some researchers numbers are not an effective way of measuring religious developments. They argue that a religion could command a large following and fail to have any significant positive impact on society. Such people believe that religious developments should be measured by the impact of the religion and it role in bettering the society. Each religion should ensure they have a positive impact on its faithful regardless of size. Whether small or large the religion should have its own unique way of empowering the society. Monotheist religions which have been practiced for a long period of time have little changes in terms of their practices. The little developmental changes are attributed to holding on to traditional practices and the religions conservative nature. Religions should appreciate the changing trends in the society and adjust accordingly. Social developments in Kyrgyzstan have been attributed the role played by religion. Some of the social developments made in the present day Kyrgyzstan include championing for Muslim women rights by Islamic organizations (Ramstedt 2004). This organization wants women to have the liberty to wear Hijab and the protection of the women’s religious rights. Previously, women were forced to remove the Hijab during inspection which is against the religious practices. The organization has gained a lot of popularity in the region. Religious in Kyrgyzstan has enlightened the citizens about their rights making the citizens have the power to shun oppression by political leaders. The Chinese people are knowledgeable on the importance of establishing social stability if any substantial reforms are to be realized in the country. Religious developments are realized by the pace at which the religion influences various aspects of the society regardless of political changes. Political activities should not deter religious developments. Many religions in Asia are vehemently emphasizing on the role religion plays in their daily lives and in the life after. The ability of religion to separate its activities with political activities even though they affect each other in some way is a way of gauging political developments. The Islamic religion in Pakistan has greatly influenced the country’s domestic politics. Pakistan was experiencing a number of problems with its domestic politics such as conflicts within the government which resulted in years of war. The political tranquility in the country is as a result of religious intervention. The religion has also played a major role in shaping Hindu nationalism within the country. In Indonesia Islam religion helped the country to embrace democracy. The country also hails Islamic religion for its in socioeconomic affairs. Asia’s dominant religions have been challenged to re-evaluate the role they play in the society. This challenge makes the involved religions (catholic, Buddhist and Islam) to work tirelessly to change the lives of their countrymen. Government officials and other leaders recognize that religion is an important forum to transform people lives as religious leaders appeal to large followings. Religious leaders educate their followers on matters of policy and development. Citizens use the knowledge they acquire from their political leaders to improve their lives. They address issues such as corruption and the evils that result from corrupt practices, political instability and what can be done to uphold political stability. They instill values that are useful in the political as well as social aspect of the lives of people of Asia. This encourages good citizenship and better leadership. Buddhist leaders emphasize the importance of adhering to religious teachings. The Buddhist teachings call for positive actions such like patriotism and avoidance of materialistic practices and temptations to do wrong. Catholic leaders in Asia emphasize the need to love one another and empowering each other socioeconomically and politically. Religion provides people with tranquility, assurance, peace and direction as opposed to politics. This is the main reason behind the adherence to religion by many people. Religious faith strengthens people to undergo social instability and the evils of political activity. Religion provides a means of endurance to the various changes experienced in life. Socially religion helps individuals cope with societal changes. In China, religion has provided people with solace amidst social unrest in the country. Personal lives of individuals have been transformed through religion. However, it is important to note that not all religious development have a passive impact on sociopolitical factors. Muslim extremist are well known for using religious doctrines to instigate wars for autonomy. The Muslim extremists have instigated bloody wars with their neighbors claiming they need political change. Uprisings based on religious ground are common in countries with Muslim faithful. Muslim terror activities have been on the rise in the past few decades. Terrorist target not only government establishments but other religious sites. Thailand is one of the countries that have suffered this ordeal from Muslim extremist. In South Korea, Buddhist shrines and temples have been destroyed by anti-Buddhist between 1982 and 1998. These incidents and many other have raised the question on religions to curb treats facing its faithful. The question raising concerns is the impact that religion has on socio political moments in china. Some observes across Asia believe that there is a threat being posed by religion as some religions are struggling to attain overall control in some countries. This is a negative religious development as some vigilant religions continue to cause political aggression. China closely monitors religious activities in various parts of the country. This is to suppress any religion based aggressions. Some countries in the world think this act infringes on individuals religious freedom. However, other countries such as Vietnam have also been criticized for monitoring religious activities across the country (Wheelock 2007). The two countries have been criticized for giving citizens superficial freedom of worship and religion. Both countries claim that they trying to prevent political upheavals due to presence of different religions in the country. It a protective measure against religious and political aggression. Such situations are viewed differently by opposing groups. Governments says claim that this acts have a positive development impact on society while religious faithful disagree on the same. China has admitted to having put measure that curtails religious freedom. They believe that religion has the power to unite people to fight the existing political class the people are opposed to. Religion is capable of staging a powerful opposition that could play a major role in governance as well as in the making of policies hence the need to monitor religious groups. Monitoring reduces the risk of aggression. Reports have been made on this particular move by the government questioning the ability of religion to make any significant development with the restrictions it faces. Religions ability to empower the faithful politically and socially is in doubt. The restrictions and the shackles on religious practice surpass the popularity that religion is gaining in the country. Religion has inadequate space to maneuver as they try to execute strategies towards empowerment of people through religion. Many analysts across the world believe that religious activities signify upward movement of the religions and the role they have continued to play in social political movements. However, some religious leaders for one reason or the other are unable to make the much needed social political reforms amongst their religious faithful particularly in Asia. Such leaders include Dalai Lama who was a very popular and influential Buddhist leader among the Tibetan people. He had the ability and the power to commission change and reforms but he conspicuously failed to do so. Palestine is predominantly occupied by catholic faithful. The catholic faith has a significant impact on the day to day lives of Palestine. The catholic faith had a huge impact on the social as well the political lives of the people of Palestine. The religious leaders had the ability to impact change in the way people think regarding various aspects of their life. In the past the catholic leaders were vehement in changing the state of affairs in the country. They would go to any length to empower their people in all aspects of life. Socially the leaders were able to teach people on how to live harmoniously and the importance of upholding peace and calm in the community. The leaders actively participated in improving the lives of the people by empowering them economically. Politically the catholic religious leaders educated the faithful on their political rights and the importance of having political leader who have a vision of improving the lives of its people (Wheelock 2007). However, this is not the case in recent times. The social political impact of the catholic leaders has been greatly eroded. The social impact of the leaders is only felt during Christian holidays such as Holy week and on Christmas. During these two holidays people parade in streets in celebrations as a way of their love for the catholic faith. These parades are also seen as devotion to religion. It is important to note that catholic leaders played a major role in bringing to an end the authoritarian rule by Ferdinand Marcos who had ruled Palestine for three decades. The revolution by the catholic leaders was however bloodless and is popularly known as EDSA Revolution. The decreased impact of the catholic religion to social political factors can also be attributed to the death of Jaime Cardinal Sin who was an archbishop in manila (Buckley & pomplun 2010). Cardinal Sin was very popular with the faithful across the country. Sin also commanded an equally large political following. He was an influential political leader as well as a reformist. His death subsequently resulted in the death of political developments in Palestine. The successor who succeeded Cardinal Sin was less visible and less vehement with causing political change in the country. The social political developments that Cardinal Sin had powered also disappeared. Since the death of Cardinal Sin, the catholic faithful have not had any leader that has caused a significant wave of change. Conclusion This paper has analyzed in depth the important role that is attributed to religious developments. Religion in Asia has had a significant impact in spheres such like the economy, the regions politics and social interactions and relationships of the people. The process of achieving this has not been smooth sailing but with the tolerance of the religious leaders they have made changes in the region. It is important that we appreciate the religious diversity of Asia. A number or religions are actively practiced in the region. Some of the religions that have had a significant impact in improving the lives of the people include Islam, the Buddha religion and catholic religion. They have been actively involved in shaping leadership in various countries. Islam has lead to democratization of some countries it has also actively championed for the rights of minority groups. Buddha is hailed for its role in creating harmonious relations among its faithful. This has tightened social relationships among people hence leading to peaceful coexistence. Catholic religious leaders have played a critical role in changing political leadership across Asia. The leaders educated their faithful on the importance of political liberation and good governance. However religion too has been blamed for a number of societal evils. The Islamic religion has been closely linked with the terror activities experienced in the region. Muslim extremist have been blamed for being terrorist. They attack government premises and places of worship used by other religions. This has resulted in massive bloodshed and insecurity in the region. This is attributed to the erosion of the power that religion has in the recent times. Governments have been blamed for suppressing political activities around Asia. The government’s claim it’s a protective measure against political aggression in the region. It is impossible to therefore sideline the impact of religion in Asia. Whether the impact is negative or positive religion has played a significant role. References Aritonang, J. & Steenbrink, K. (2008) A history of Christianity in Indonesia. BRILL Buckley, J. & Pomplun, T. (2010). The Blackwell companion to Catholicism Confucius & Legge. (2009). The Confucian Analects, the great learning and the doctrine of the mean. Cosimo, Inc. Eickelman, D. (1993) Russia Muslim Frontiers: New directions in cross-cultural analysis. Indiani University Press Fenton, J., Reynolds, F. & Miller, A. (1993). Religions in Asia. St. Martin’s press Flood, G. (1996). An introduction to Hinduism. Cambridge University Press. Hefner, R. & Horvatich, P. (1997). Islam in an era of national sates: politics and religious renewal in Muslim south East Asia. University of Hawaii press. Knipe, D. (1991). Hinduism: experiments in the sacred. HarperSanFrancisco. Mittal, S. & Thursby, G. (2006). Religions of south Asia: An introduction. Taylor & Francis. Nesbitt, E. (2005). Sikhism: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press Ramstedt M. (2004) Hinduism in modern Indonesia: A minority religion between local, national and global interest. Routledge Curzon Wheelock. (2007) Considering the Asian Religions: A guide to understanding, evaluating and appreciating. TEACH Services, Inc Read More

Regions have been able to tolerate each other’s religions by appreciating the diversity of religious practices and cultures practiced by others. Tolerance and patience has lead to harmonious and peaceful coexistence between the various religions. This has lead to massive social as well as economic developments. The role of religious leaders across all religions in Asia cannot be under rated. These leaders have played an active role in shaping Asia as it is today. Their ability to pull massive crowds and teach them religious as well educating them on matters that affect their lives is quite significant.

Most people believe that the role of religious leaders is to teach religious matters. This is not true their role goes beyond religious teachings. They also have the duty of empowering their followers’ social politically and economically. In Asia leaders have actively participated in shaping politics and economies. Religious leaders have championed for reforms in the governments on behalf of their followers by pointing out the various evils committed by governments. Political evils include corruptions and infringing of citizens rights.

Ever religion in Asia has a role which it plays in influencing political as well as social affairs of the region. Research has established that a large number of Muslim extremist adhere completely to the Korans teaching. They practice the teachings precisely without exception. In Christianity and more specifically to those who practice the catholic faith, Pope Benedict XVI has impacted on the Christians social beliefs by exercising authoritarian Catholic practices (Buckley & pomplun 2010).

Intervention of religion in the affairs affecting the society is one of the factors that religious leaders are trying to establish. The people who practice Buddhism have been recognized for their capability to crash divisions within the community. Buddhism has also been able to marginalize abilities of Islam and the catholic religion. This act leads to creation of harmony within the social and lead to empowerment of the community socially. Many concerns have been raised on how religious developments are measured.

Some people believe that religious development should be measured in regard to population numbers of each particular faith. The religion that has the largest following according to these people has believed to have the greatest religious development. For some researchers numbers are not an effective way of measuring religious developments. They argue that a religion could command a large following and fail to have any significant positive impact on society. Such people believe that religious developments should be measured by the impact of the religion and it role in bettering the society.

Each religion should ensure they have a positive impact on its faithful regardless of size. Whether small or large the religion should have its own unique way of empowering the society. Monotheist religions which have been practiced for a long period of time have little changes in terms of their practices. The little developmental changes are attributed to holding on to traditional practices and the religions conservative nature. Religions should appreciate the changing trends in the society and adjust accordingly.

Social developments in Kyrgyzstan have been attributed the role played by religion. Some of the social developments made in the present day Kyrgyzstan include championing for Muslim women rights by Islamic organizations (Ramstedt 2004). This organization wants women to have the liberty to wear Hijab and the protection of the women’s religious rights. Previously, women were forced to remove the Hijab during inspection which is against the religious practices. The organization has gained a lot of popularity in the region.

Religious in Kyrgyzstan has enlightened the citizens about their rights making the citizens have the power to shun oppression by political leaders. The Chinese people are knowledgeable on the importance of establishing social stability if any substantial reforms are to be realized in the country.

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