Introduction
Religion has several definitions depending on the context in which it is applied. In many contexts, religion refers to the belief in an existing supernatural being that is considered divine and sacred. Sociologically, the affiliation to a given religion helps in the stabilization of the society as morality is observed in the society. Religion provides the norms that are to be observed by the believers’ failure to do so contributes to a given punishment depending on the type of religion one belongs to.
For example, among the Christians, failure to observe the Ten Commandments amounts to committing a sin and one is subjected to eternal fire when he/she dies. There are various types of religions however, in this essay; I will analyze two major types of religion categorized into Eastern and Western religions. I will analyze the basic similarities and differences between these religions and provide a sociological standpoint towards this topic.
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 most Eastern religions, they believe in a visible god whom they pray to and offer sacrifices to(Dalley and Cox 46). The gods are in form of curved sculptors resembling an animals or human being depending on the religion. From these gods, individuals expect to get blessings, forgiveness, and other requirements that one may need.
The Eastern religions believe in life after death that is reincarnation. Reincarnation assumes that death is not the end of life but a platform for individuals to live another kind of life in the next world. Therefore, depending on one’s behavior while on earth, an individual may be reborn in the next world as either superior or inferior. Those who are reborn in a superior form are assumed to have lived their life to the expectation of the religion while those who are born in an inferior form are assumed to have lived a sinful life while on earth (Dalley and Cox 56).
However, in the next world, individuals are given a chance to correct their ways so as to achieve ‘Nirvana’ equivalent to heaven among the Christians. In the Eastern religions, the main place of worship is referred to as the temple. This encompasses all the Indian religions and other Asian religions such as the Shaolin among the Chinese.
On 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 which is normally placed at a central place within the Temple. Considering all these practices, peaceful and well-structured societies are able to be constructed based on the norms of these religions (Dalley and Cox 79).
Western Religions
The western religions include religions such as Christianity and Judaism. It should be noted that all the Western religions, Islam inclusive are classified as Abraham religion since they derive their practices and beliefs from the teachings of Moses recorded in the holy book known as the Bible.
Unlike the Eastern religions, the Western religions believe in an invisible God. Therefore, religions work based on faith. Individuals are required to have faith that somewhere within the universe, there exists a supernatural being that controls the whole universe. According to their customs, prayers are addressed to God who answers them depending on their faith (Woodhead 25).
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 repent of their sins, it is assumed that they will burn in eternal fire once they die. However, those who live a holy life will acquire the Kingdom of God and will live a peaceful life full of happiness when they die.
The main institution for worship among the Western religion 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 holy life as prescribed by the Bible, they will acquire immortality when they die and as a result, individuals affiliated with these religions try their best to observe these requirements thus leading to an organized society (Woodhead 80).
Similarities Between the Western and Eastern Religions
The religions found in these two extreme ends of the world are similar in a way that both believe in the existence of a supernatural being that is assumed to control the world and as a matter of fact, they both have an institution for worship. In both types of religion, they were created to act as a social rule to guide people on what is considered good or bad in the social failure of which would amount to stiff punishment. The guidelines have provided excellent social cohesion in the society thereby building on the society’s social structures.
Looking at both religions, they possess a belief that there is some form of life after death. The Western religions believe that eventually when people die, they would resurrect later and either go to Hell or Heaven depending on one’s behaviors while on Earth. On the other hand, the Eastern religions believe in the reincarnation theory where people are reborn until they attain Nirvana.
Differences Between the Religions
The biggest difference between these two types of religions is the concepts employed. In the Western religion, the concepts employed are found within the Bible while the Eastern religion’s concepts are found in the Vedic concepts which apply to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jains, and Sikhs. In addition, among Western religious believers, their future is assumed to predetermine by God. However, the Eastern religion assumes that everyone determines their future through responsive behavior while on Earth (Woodhead 83).
In conclusion, it can be asserted that though the religions of the world are more dissimilar in nature than they are similar, they all act to strengthen society’s cohesion. In the above case, both the Eastern and the Western religions have the aim of ensuring a peaceful co-existence in society.
The norms stipulated in the various religions above help to streamline the society and help the society’s members to grow up with the required discipline. Among the sociologists, the effects of religion are very fundamental to a healthy society with healthy morals (Woodhead 90). Consequently, how an individual would grow up and the behaviors he or she may adopt would greatly depend on society’s background.
It should be noted that individuals who grow up in a society with religious norms tend to be bright, responsible, and considerate compared to individuals who grew up in pagan families or societies. Most of the juvenile crimes that have been reported are associated with young persons who grew up minus religious guidance and education thus making them indisciplined and irresponsible. Therefore, it can be asserted that religions help in shaping up society’s well-being.
Works Cited
Dalley Stephanie and Cox Marion. The legacy of Mesopotamia. London: Oxford University Press, 1998. 23-57.
Woodhead, Linda. Religions in the modern world: traditions and transformations. New York: Routledge, 2002. p 67-92.