Religion in Asia
A look into the religion of a society is essential in understanding its
culture. Religion by its definition comes with a set of attitudes, beliefs,
and practices. In that sense, you do not have to go to a place of worship
every week for religion to have an impact on your society or your way
of life. Religion also distinguishes Asia from the rest of the world. Christianity
and Judaism -- two of the great monotheistic religions -- are far more
prevalent in the Western cultures, though they do find adherents in the
East (largely due to the influence of foreign powers during the age when
these powers colonized Asia). The origins of Buddhism,
Confucianism, Hinduism,
Islam, and Taoism,
meanwhile, are in the Eastern cultures, and thus find relatively few adherents
among Western peoples.
Viewing religion from this perspective brings insight into the people
and culture of an area, regardless of whether the religion is actively
practiced today. For example, the practice of religion was officially
discouraged in China with the destruction of religious institutions during
its Cultural Revolution. The same discouragement of religion is true of
the other Communist nations in Asia (North Korea, Vietnam, Laos). In fact,
Westernization (modern capitalism and industry) and secularization (phasing
out of religion practices) have threatened the practices of many of Asia's
traditional religions. Yet, the principles taught by Taoism,
Confucianism, and Buddhism
-- among others -- are still seen in the 20th century in the beliefs and
values of the population. It is therefore worthwhile to study them for
more understanding of the people in these areas.
