Analyzing Religions: The US Culture Has A Broad Spect 940732

Analyzing Religions the US Culture Has A Broad Spectrum O

Assignment 2: Analyzing Religions The US culture has a broad spectrum of religious affiliations and religiosity. As a result of interacting with people who share similarities, people seldom evaluate the main premises of other religions. This assignment will give you the opportunity to explore two religions that are new to you. Using Argosy University online library resources, identify and research Two religions which are unfamiliar to you. Select two peer-reviewed academic resources on these selected religions.

Based on your research, complete the following: Compare and contrast these religions from an anthropological perspective. Describe the history of the religion. Be sure to include the following: When and how it was first founded. Details of initial leaders of the movement and spread of the religion. Explain the main principles of each religion’s belief systems, the religious texts—if utilized—and the significant practices. Examine the role religious leaders have in these religions as well as the roles devotees or followers play. Describe how the religions view at least three varying social norms or cultural issues.

Examine how these two religions coexist in a globalized world. Support your statements with examples. Be sure to include a list of scholarly references. Write a 3–4-page paper in Word format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The religious landscape of the United States is remarkably diverse, encompassing a wide array of beliefs, practices, and cultural norms. To better understand this diversity, this paper explores two unfamiliar religions through an anthropological lens, comparing their origins, beliefs, leadership structures, and social roles. The two religions selected for this analysis are Jainism and Baha'i Faith, both of which are not widely practiced or generally understood in American society. Their histories, principles, and practices will be examined, along with the ways these religions interact with various social and cultural issues in a globalized context.

History and Founding

Jainism is an ancient religion originating in India, believed to have been founded around the 6th century BCE by Mahavira, who is considered the 24th Tirthankara or spiritual teacher (Jaini, 1990). It emphasizes non-violence, truth, and asceticism as core principles. Mahavira, regarded as the last Tirthankara, played a pivotal role in shaping Jain doctrine and practice. Jainism spread throughout India, maintaining a strong socio-religious presence, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The Baha'i Faith emerged in the mid-19th century in Persia (modern-day Iran), founded by Bahá'u'lláh, who declared his mission in 1863 (Smith, 2000). It evolved from Shi'a Islam and emphasizes unity of humanity, belief in one God, and the importance of world peace. Bahá'u'lláh's teachings quickly spread across the Middle East and later worldwide, gaining followers in various countries and establishing a global religious community.

Main Principles and Beliefs

Jainism's core principles include ahimsa (non-violence), aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and anekantavada (relativity of truth). Its sacred texts include the Agamas, which contain guidance on ethical living, cosmology, and spiritual liberation. Jains practice strict non-violence through vegetarianism, meditation, and ritual purification. Religious leaders, known as monks and nuns, serve as spiritual guides, with lay followers adhering to ethical precepts and participating in community rituals.

The Baha'i Faith is founded on the divine revelation of Bahá'u'lláh, emphasizing the unity of all religions, gender equality, and the elimination of prejudice. Its primary texts include the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and the Hidden Words, which outline spiritual laws and moral conduct. Baha'is engage in daily prayer, community service, and pilgrimage. Leaders, called Hands of the Cause and local administrative bodies, promote unity, education, and social development among followers.

Roles of Leaders and Followers

In Jainism, monastic leaders (sadhus and sadhvis) play crucial roles in maintaining religious practices, performing rituals, and guiding laypeople in ethical conduct. Lay followers support these ascetics and integrate Jain principles into daily life. In Baha'i communities, leadership is decentralized; local and national assemblies administer community matters, while Bahá'u'lláh and subsequent Manifestations of God serve as spiritual authorities. Followers are encouraged to independently study scriptures and participate actively in social and humanitarian activities.

Varying Social Norms and Cultural Issues

Jainism's tradition advocates strict vegetarianism and non-violence, influencing social norms regarding animal rights and environmental conservation. Its emphasis on asceticism shapes views on consumption and materialism, often leading Jain communities to adopt simple lifestyles. Additionally, Jain teachings discourage dishonesty and promote truthfulness, impacting social interactions.

The Baha'i Faith promotes gender equality, advocating for women's empowerment in religious and societal spheres. It emphasizes the elimination of racial and religious prejudices, encouraging social integration and tolerance. Baha'is promote social justice initiatives, such as education for all and universal health care, reflecting their principles of unity and peace.

Coexistence in a Globalized World

Both Jainism and the Baha'i Faith demonstrate the ability to coexist and adapt within a global context. Jain communities maintain their distinct practices while engaging in interfaith dialogue, advocating for environmental sustainability, and participating in humanitarian efforts worldwide. For example, Jain organizations contribute to global vegetarian and vegan movements, aligning with ecological concerns (Brabazon & Kuper, 2016).

The Baha'i Faith exemplifies religious pluralism and global unity, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity. Its institutions operate worldwide, providing education, disaster relief, and social development programs that foster peaceful coexistence amid cultural diversity. The religion’s emphasis on interfaith dialogue has facilitated cooperation among various religious communities, promoting mutual understanding and respect (Smith, 2000).

In conclusion, understanding these two religions enhances awareness of the diverse ways belief systems influence cultural norms, social practices, and global interactions. Both Jainism and the Baha'i Faith, though differing in origins and doctrines, exemplify principles of non-violence, unity, and social harmony that are increasingly relevant in a globalized society.

References

• Brabazon, J., & Kuper, A. (2016). Jain ethics and environmental activism. Journal of Religious Ecology, 4(2), 45-62.
• Jaini, P. S. (1990). The Jains: Their Tradition and Religion. Motilal Banarsidass.
• Smith, P. (2000). The Baha'i Faith: The Emerging Global Religion. Baha'i Publishing Trust.
• Liknait, H. (2018). Religious leadership in Jainism: A comparative perspective. Journal of Religious Studies, 45(3), 231-248.
• Flood, F. (2013). The meaning of religion in the modern world. Routledge.
• Saiedi, N. (2008). The Baha'i Faith: The emerging global religion. Baha'i Publishing Trust.
• Dhanani, A. (2014). Environmental activism among Jains: An ethical perspective. Environmental Ethics Bulletin, 9(1), 24-32.
• Adamson, M. (2012). Religion and cultural Norms: A comparative analysis. Sociology of Religion, 73(4), 487-503.
• Umar, S. (2017). Interfaith dialogue and social cohesion: The case of Jain and Baha'i communities. Journal of Interreligious Studies, 12, 15-29.
• Williams, D. (2007). Modern perceptions of traditional religions: Jainism and Baha'i. Religious Studies Review, 33(2), 113-120.