CHAPTER 4: DOUBLE EDGED SWORD
2) Religion is a double-edged sword, both supporting and undermining political authority and social
elites.” How would you support both sides of this statement?
I feel that when it comes to religion, if you are in favor of the religion, they will support you, and if you are not in belief of that religion, or do something to defy that religion they your life will be made into a living h-e-l-l.. For example, with early Christianity, such as Buddhism, offered a mix of opportunities and restrictions for women. They were certainly not on the same level as males, and were told to "be subject to your husbands," or that it was "shameful for women to speak in church, (239)." However, this is something that led to the attraction of this new religion within the Roman Empire.
In support of religion being a double edged sword, Daoism would be an example of being in favor of their religion. They were firm believers in "withdrawing" into the world of nature and encouraged behavior that was spontaneous, individualistic, and natural. (221). That believers of Daoism had a very positive outlook on life, and were in harmony no matter their circumstance. Daoism in my eyes, seemed like a very "zen" culture, that was very in-tune with natural phenomena. The vision that Daoism paints seems very natural and peaceful, where animals and humans go as they please, where nature is very meditating and picturesque. This is the type of religion that would be something to be in support of.
“All life comes from it. It wraps everything with its love as in a garment, and yet it claims no honor, for it does not demand to be lord. I do not know its name and so I call it the Dao, the Way, and I rejoice in its power, (221)."
I feel that when it comes to religion, if you are in favor of the religion, they will support you, and if you are not in belief of that religion, or do something to defy that religion they your life will be made into a living h-e-l-l.. For example, with early Christianity, such as Buddhism, offered a mix of opportunities and restrictions for women. They were certainly not on the same level as males, and were told to "be subject to your husbands," or that it was "shameful for women to speak in church, (239)." However, this is something that led to the attraction of this new religion within the Roman Empire.
In support of religion being a double edged sword, Daoism would be an example of being in favor of their religion. They were firm believers in "withdrawing" into the world of nature and encouraged behavior that was spontaneous, individualistic, and natural. (221). That believers of Daoism had a very positive outlook on life, and were in harmony no matter their circumstance. Daoism in my eyes, seemed like a very "zen" culture, that was very in-tune with natural phenomena. The vision that Daoism paints seems very natural and peaceful, where animals and humans go as they please, where nature is very meditating and picturesque. This is the type of religion that would be something to be in support of.
“All life comes from it. It wraps everything with its love as in a garment, and yet it claims no honor, for it does not demand to be lord. I do not know its name and so I call it the Dao, the Way, and I rejoice in its power, (221)."
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