Introduction
The development of religious thought is inseparable from the development of society. The religions of Ancient China are the most opposed since Chinese society has been developing in isolation. Beliefs of Ancient Greece are not suitable for other religions since they are influenced by mythology. All religions and philosophical currents are similar in explaining the place of people in the system of the universe and have a certain set of rules.
The Most Intense Faithfulness in Humans to Be Good
Zoroastrianism demonstrates the most incredible faith in human virtue. The primary ethical side of Zoroastrianism presupposes the good deeds, thoughts, and words of a person (Strayer 203). Daoism is also one of the most believing in people concepts. There are no material goods concerning Dao; all people are equal (West and Snyder 74). Judaism perceives people as the supreme creation; people are good because they have an apparent reason for appearing.
The Most Intense Distrust in People
Jainism and Hinduism are close in the organization of the strictest rules of conduct for a person professing these religions. Both beliefs presuppose the primacy of nature, its primordiality, and the most respectful attitude towards it (Strayer 204). Both religions presuppose the non-infliction of harm to all living things, even accidental. That is why they can be considered the strictest and most distrustful of a person.
The Most Profound Focus on Death and the Afterlife
Buddhism and ancient Greek beliefs can be considered the most focused on death and the afterlife. Buddhism speaks of two types of death – natural, at the end of earthly life, and premature – because of the exhaustion of virtues (Strayer 227). There is no afterlife in Buddhism; after the death of a person, a series of rebirths in the cycle of samsara awaits. In ancient Greek religion and mythology, the afterlife is located in the earth’s bowels or beyond the boundaries of the ocean.
The Intense to Improve the Conditions of Human Life
The philosophical current that concentrates on the earthly life of people is legalism. The central thesis of this philosophy is the need for strict obedience to universal law (West and Snyder 68). In Confucianism, to organize public order and harmony, people have to treat each other with condescension and respect (West and Snyder 80). Ahimsa focuses on the organization of public life and assumes the construction of a decent society in which the fundamental principles will be observed. Yin yang is also partly intended to explain the basic meaning of the existence and functioning of human society.
The Preferred Religion
Zoroastrianism seems the most acceptable religion considering all discussed above. The idea of free choice, which is not limited by religion, is beneficial. The main idea of Zoroastrianism – the desire for good deeds – is close to the ideal worldview. Zoroastrianism teaches virtue good attitude toward loved ones, neighbors and strangers. Only based on such teaching building a mutually respectful society is possible nowadays.
Conclusion
A comparison of the presented religions, beliefs and philosophical currents showed that Judaism, Daoism and Zoroastrianism are the most humane. The most stringent requirements for human behavior are imposed by Jainism and Hinduism, which present a strict list of rules. Greek beliefs and Buddhism give the most complete ideas about life after death. Legalism, Confucianism and the doctrine of yin yang pay most attention to the earthly life of mankind.
Works Cited
Strayer, Robert W. Ways of the World: A Brief Global History with Sources. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010.
West, Sherri, and Snyder, Anthony. Readings in Global History. Kendall Hunt Publishing Company, 2008.