World Religions paper Due 6/11
JJJQQQZZZ
Esposito-WorldReligionsToday6e-Chapter8PowerPoint.pptx1
Lecture Outline Chapter 8
1
Premodern era
Shang era 1766–1122 BCE
Foundational to diffuse religion that developed later
View of reciprocity between the living and the dead
Belief in easy access between humans and divinities, or spirits
2
Chapter 8
2
Formative era 1122 BCE–220 CE
Growing material prosperity leads to political instability and militarism
Degraded moral order, lack of respect for human life
Master K’ung (Confucius)
Concept of acquiring virtue or righteousness; being fully human; ethical propriety
Most important is one’s conduct within the family
3
Chapter 8
3
Lao Zi
Promotes individualistic retreat and noninterference on state’s part
The Dao is the prime source of all creation
Ideal human conduct is to let go and practice noninterference (wu-wei)
4
Chapter 8
State support for Confucian ethics
Performance of ancestor rites becomes norm and unites whole society
Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism overlap each other
5
Chapter 8
5
Post-Han 220–617
Buddhism supported by state for first 500 years
State religion in Japan—early 600s
Japanese never ceased to worship their own distinct divinities
Brief “golden age”
6
Chapter 8 slide 6
6
Emperor Wu-zong in 845 ends era of religious toleration in China
Anti-Buddhist policy results in fall of Buddhism
Only Pure Land and Ch’an survive
Confucianism again moves to center of Chinese religious life
7
Chapter 8 slide 7
Ming era 1368–1644
Buddhism firmly entrenched in Chinese society
First contact with Europeans
Considered them barbarians; set the stage for problematic modern relations
8
Chapter 8
8
Modernity
Colonialism
Changes economic systems
Traffics in narcotics
Challenges Asians’ basic understandings of life and meaning of life
Undermines East Asia’s view that its civilization is greatest in world
9
Chapter 8
9
Modernity
End of Confucian literati’s rule
Overthrown completely in China and Korea
Japan melds modernity with Confucianism
Rise of neo-Shintoism late 1800s
10
Chapter 8
New religions
China
First was militant sect founded by Hong Xiuquan, Taipings
Battled with Qing state 1850–1864
Most destructive civil war in world history
Dies out
11
Chapter 8
11
Korea
Ch’ondogyo religion merged elements of Confucianism and Daoism
Taught the divinity of humanity
Becomes major religion
12
Chapter 8
Japan
Lay organization Soka Gakkai, largest new religion
Formed in association with Nirchiren Buddhism
Established own political party
Sent missionaries all around world
Works for world peace and human welfare
13
Chapter 8
13
Postmodern trends
After Mao’s death in 1976
Ritual practice gives East Asia its religious and cultural unity
Role of Chinese spirit mediums has grown
State has supported building of temples dedicated to Confucius
14
Chapter 8
14
Postmodern trends
Influence of religious Daoism
Feng shui remains popular; has spread globally
Qi gong
15
Chapter 8
Buddhist institutions rebuilt
Buddhism expands
Agreement among all new religions in:
Causes of life’s problems
How to improve one’s life
Women outnumber men
16
Chapter 8
Japan
Innovation begins after World War II ends
Shinto idea of Mandate of Heaven denied
Neo-Shintoism system eventually discarded
17
Chapter 8
17
South Korea
Most Confucian country in East Asia
Family rituals and moral education programs in public schools
Modern economic development guided by Confucian ideas
18
Chapter 8
Korean Buddhist institutions well endowed
Shamans have high status, popular
Won Buddhism especially popular in major urban areas
19
Chapter 8
19
