Sociological Exploration of Eastern and Western Religions
Introduction
Religion has single definitions depending on the circumstance in which it is
applied. In numerous contexts, trust refers to the effect in an existing wizardly
being that is considered lord and sacred.
Sociological Impact of Religion
Sociologically, the association to a clever trust helps in the stabilization of the
fellowship as morals are observed in society. Religion provides the norms that are
to be observed by the believers; failure to do so contributes to a clever penalty
depending on the eccentric of trust one belongs to.
Example of Religious Practices in Christianity
Get an impost attempt on Eastern and Western Religions; Similarities and
Differences, 192 writers online. For example, among the Christians, failure to
observe the Ten Commandments amounts to committing a sin, and one is
subjected to aeolian free when he/she dies. There are single types of religions,
however, in this essay, I analyze two astral types of trust categorized into
Eastern and Western religions.
Analysis of Eastern and Western Religions
I analyze the primary similarities and differences between these religions and
offer a sociological perspective on this topic.
Eastern Religions Overview
Eastern Religions: Eastern religions refer to religions from the continent of Asia.
They include religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Taoism, and
Confucianism. According to some Eastern religions, they believe in an open god
to whom they pray and offer sacrifices (Dalley and Cox 46).
Gods in Eastern Religions
The gods are often depicted as curved sculptors resembling animals or human
beings, depending on the religion. From these gods, individuals expect to receive
blessings, forgiveness, and new requirements that one may need.
Concept of Reincarnation in Eastern Religions
The Eastern religions believe in life after death through reincarnation.
Reincarnation assumes that death is not the end of life but a chance for
individuals to undergo another cycle of life in the next world. Therefore,
depending on one's behavior while on Earth, an individual may be reincarnated
in the next world as either superior or inferior. Those who are reincarnated in a
superior family are assumed to have lived their life in accordance with the
principles of the religion, while those born into humble families are assumed to
have lived a wicked life (Dalley and Cox 56).
Path to Nirvana in Eastern Religions
However, in the next world, individuals can make an effort to change their ways
in order to attain ‘Nirvana,’ which is similar to the concept of Eden in Christianity.
In Eastern religions, the primary place of worship is the temple. This
encompasses all Indian religions and other Asian religions, such as the Kaolin
among the Chinese. Upon entering the temple, which is considered sacred,
individuals are required to remove their shoes, and while worshiping or giving
sacrifices, individuals are expected to bow down to the god, who is usually
placed on an altar inside the temple.
Societal Structure and Religion
Considering all these practices, stable and well-structured societies can be built
based on the norms of these religions (Dalley and Cox 79).
Western Religions Overview
Western Religions: The western religions include religions such as Christianity
and Judaism. It should be noted that all Western religions, including Islam, are
classified as Abrahamic religions since they derived their practices and beliefs
from the teachings of Moses, recorded in the sacred text known as the Bible.
Belief in God in Western Religions
Unlike the Eastern religions, the Western religions believe in a hidden God.
Therefore, these religions are based on faith. Individuals are required to believe
that somewhere in the universe, there exists a divine being that controls the
entire universe. According to their customs, prayers are addressed to God, who
answers them based on their faith (Godhead 25).
Religious Norms in Western Religions
The norms of the Western religions are stipulated in the Holy Bible, and every
person who claims to be a Christian is required to observe these norms. In brief,
the requirements of a Christian are to observe the Ten Commandments, given to
Prophet Moses by God. Failure to do so amounts to sin, and if an individual does
not atone for their sins, it is assumed that they will burn in eternal fire after they
die.
Eternal Life in Western Religions
However, those who live a sanctified life inherit the Kingdom of God and live an
eternal life full of felicity when they die. The primary place for worship in Western
religions is the Church, which is headed by either a Pastor, Priest, Bishop, or Arch
Bishop. Therefore, the Western religions believe that if individuals live a
sanctified life as prescribed by the Bible, they will attain immortality when they
die. As a result, individuals affiliated with these religions try their best to observe
these requirements, thus leading to an organized fellowship (Godhead 80).
Similarities Between Eastern and Western Religions
The religions practiced in these two distant parts of the world are similar in that
some believe in the existence of a divine being that is assumed to control the
world. As a result, they both have a central place for worship. In some religions,
these practices were created to guide people on what is considered good or bad
in the society, which would lead to punishment for wrong actions. The guidelines
provided ensure social cohesion within the community, thus strengthening the
society's cultural structures.
Belief in Life After Death in Both Religions
Looking at some religions, both Eastern and Western religions have an impact on
the belief in life after death. The Western religions believe that when people die,
they will be resurrected and either go to Hell or Heaven, depending on their
behavior while on Earth. On the other hand, Eastern religions believe in the
possibility of reincarnation, where people are reborn until they attain Nirvana.
Differences Between Eastern and Western Religions
The biggest difference between these two types of religions lies in the concepts
they employ. In Western religions, the concepts are derived from the Bible, while
in Eastern religions, the concepts are based on ancient texts and teachings,
particularly in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Additionally, among
Western religious believers, their destiny is believed to be predetermined by
God. However, Eastern religions assume that everyone determines their destiny
through their actions while on Earth (Godhead 83).
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be asserted that although the religions of the world are
diverse and distinct, they share similarities in their role in fortifying society's
cohesion. In the cases of both Eastern and Western religions, the aim is to ensure
peaceful coexistence within society. The norms stipulated in the respective
religions help to streamline the community and aid its members in developing
the required discipline. Among sociologists, the effects of religion are seen as
central to a strong fellowship with clear moral standards (Godhead 90).
Consequently, how an individual is raised and the behaviors they adopt are
greatly influenced by the society's religious background.
Works Cited
Dalley, Stephanie, and Cox, Marion. The Legacy of Mesopotamia. London: Oxford
University Press, 1998. p. 23-57.
Godhead, Linda. Religions in the Modern World: Traditions and Transformations.
New York: Routledge, 2002. p. 67-92.
