The Study Of Oriental And Occidental Religions From A Cross-cultural Perspective

Religion is an important cultural phenomenon with a long history. There was so much misunderstanding on religion in the past. Many people especially in those socialist countries tended to take religion as the synonym of superstition or something that is quite untangible or reactionary and backward. However since 19th century, there appeared a tide of the study of religion in the western academic community. Many scholars paid more and more attention to this cultural phenomenon, with their works mainly covering the role of religion in various aspects of social life. Even the continued scientific and technological advancement cannot put end to religion nor decrease the enthusiasm for conducting religious study. With China's more opening to the outside world and the increase of cultural exchanges with other countries, exchange and communication in the regard of religion cannot be avoided. Religion has so deeply penetrated into the western society that the correct understanding of its role can help us better understand the westerners' values, outlooks and conducts, and it is an effective way for us to avoid cultural misunderstanding. In China, due to the historical elements, people held prejudice to religion, and the relevant study lagging far behind. In many places, religious followers sometimes were infringed and even deprived of their legitimate rights for religious practices. This thesis, by illustrating the origin and definition of religion, the relationship between religion and culture, and the influence of religion on other aspects of social life, for instance, on morality, tends to prove the positive role of religion in human social and cultural life, to help change the hostile attitude to religion, and to conduct the cross-cultural study from a new cultural perspective.