The Functions of Religion in Constructing a Harmonious Society: A Chinese Perspective
Jin Ze Thursday, 10 September 2009
In academic discussions of the relationship between religion and rule of law, there is sometimes a presumption that religion, naturally, is an element that promotes the harmony of a society. But is this premise tenable?
In order to answer this question, some basic issues need to be investigated thoroughly. Is the socio-cultural attribute of religion unchangeable? Does religion really play a positive role in constructing a harmonious society? Are there not any negative effects? If the role of religion is both positive and negative, in what situation is it positive? In what situation negative? Is the variance in social effects of religion more a function of the social environment in which religion plays a role, or of the specific doctrines, organizational structures, values, etc. of the religion in question? Does it involve the ecological pattern or ways of interaction among various religious sects? And how should religion interact with law so as to promote the harmonious development of society?
To read the entire article, please visit this article's page at informaworld, where articles are available for purchase from Routledge, our publishing partner.