A Collection of Articles on Religion and Society

Whether you believe in the teachings of Jesus, or the Hindu Gods, or the cults of Islam, or the philosophies of Confucius, or the religions of other countries, religions all play a role in our lives. We can find similarities and differences between different religions, but there is also a common ground we can share.

Islam

Known as the religion of peace, Islam is a religion based on the words of Allah that were revealed to Muhammad. This scripture is considered the perfect word of God, and Muslims follow its teachings. This religion is known to have spread rapidly throughout the world, gaining prominence in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Christianity

Among the world’s biggest religions, Christianity is based on the teachings of Jesus. Although there are many Christian sects, Christianity’s primary teaching is the doctrine of the Trinity. That is, Christians believe that the one God exists in three “persons” — the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Christians also believe that Jesus rose from the dead, and that God raised him from the dead. They also believe that following the example of Jesus would lead to eternal life.

Hinduism

Among the world’s living religions, Hinduism has a rich and varied history. Known as the world’s third largest faith tradition, Hinduism has been an important influence in 150 countries.

Hinduism originated in India, but now has branches throughout the world. It is one of the world’s oldest organized religions, with more than 60 million members in dozens of countries.

Jainism

Founded about 2,500 years ago, Jainism is an ancient religion that is characterized by its asceticism and social action. Jains also adhere to the belief that every soul is potentially divine. The essence of Jainism is the concern for the welfare of all life forms in the universe. It stresses the importance of non-violence and asceticism.

Theravada Buddhism

Historically, Theravada Buddhism has been the most dominant religion in Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Burma. It has also spread to Southeast Asia, and is now beginning to take root in Western countries.

Its origins are in the Buddha’s first teachings. Theravada schools emphasize spirituality, self-discipline, and purity of thought. It also stresses the importance of studying and practicing the Buddha’s teachings. It is based on the Pali Canon, a collection of ancient texts that is considered the most comprehensive source of the Buddha’s teachings.

Social unity and stability

During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, religion was used as a means of socialization and a driving force behind social cohesion. A religion is a set of beliefs, values, and practices, which are shared by a group of people. Sacred practices are a way of life that give meaning to people’s lives.

Cross-cultural discussion of religious beliefs, phenomena, and practices

Several articles in this collection examine the ways in which religions are represented in diverse national cultures. These studies provide a nuanced understanding of the traditions and contribute to cross-cultural knowledge of religion. While most of the research in English-speaking scholarship has focused on Christianity and Islam, the authors of these articles explore the ways in which religions are represented in other national cultures.