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THE NEW (AND OLD) THE NEW (AND OLD) THE NEW (AND OLD) THE NEW (AND OLD)
RELIGIONS AROUND USRELIGIONS AROUND USRELIGIONS AROUND USRELIGIONS AROUND US
Lay School of ReligionLay School of ReligionLay School of Religion
Luther Seminary Luther Seminary Luther Seminary
February 7 to March 7February 7 to March 7February 7 to March 7
Mark GranquistMark GranquistMark Granquist
Schedule of Our SessionsSchedule of Our SessionsSchedule of Our Sessions
February 7 - Overview on American ReligionFebruary 7 - Overview on American ReligionFebruary 7 - Overview on American Religion
JudaismJudaism
February 14 - IslamFebruary 14 - Islam
Bahai – Nation of IslamBahai – Nation of Islam
February 21 -BuddhismFebruary 21 -Buddhism
HinduismHinduismHinduism
February 28 - Latter Day Saints (Mormons)February 28 - Latter Day Saints (Mormons)
Jehovah’s Witnesses – Christian ScienceJehovah’s Witnesses – Christian Science
March 7 - New Religious Movements – Krishna, UnificationMarch 7 - New Religious Movements – Krishna, Unification
NRMs – Scientology, Children of God, etcNRMs – Scientology, Children of God, etcNRMs – Scientology, Children of God, etc
Rationale and Our ApproachRationale and Our ApproachRationale and Our Approach
America has always been the home of many different faith America has always been the home of many different faith
traditions. By now there is a bewildering array of religions (new traditions. By now there is a bewildering array of religions (new
and old) about us. Some are world religions that have come to and old) about us. Some are world religions that have come to
our shores (Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism). Others our shores (Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism). Others
are religions developed in America and spread to the world are religions developed in America and spread to the world
(Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Scientology, and many (Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Scientology, and many
others). We will try to understand these various religious groups others). We will try to understand these various religious groups
in our midst, and a Christian reaction to them.in our midst, and a Christian reaction to them.
Mark GranquistMark GranquistMark Granquist
Associate Professor of Church HistoryAssociate Professor of Church HistoryAssociate Professor of Church History
[email protected]@luthersem.edu
February 21 – Session 3February 21 – Session 3February 21 – Session 3
First hour - HinduismFirst hour - HinduismFirst hour - Hinduism
Second hour - BuddhismSecond hour - BuddhismSecond hour - Buddhism
If you want to read a good general resource on these topics, see If you want to read a good general resource on these topics, see
Jacob Neusner, ed., World Religions in America 3rd edition, Jacob Neusner, ed., World Religions in America 3rd edition, Jacob Neusner, ed., World Religions in America 3 edition,
Louisville: Westminister John Knox, 2003.Louisville: Westminister John Knox, 2003.
For this session, the best chapters would be 8, 9, and 10For this session, the best chapters would be 8, 9, and 10For this session, the best chapters would be 8, 9, and 10
STATISTICS FOR NON-CHRISTIAN STATISTICS FOR NON-CHRISTIAN STATISTICS FOR NON-CHRISTIAN
GROUPSGROUPSGROUPSBahai 150,000 to 750,000Bahai 150,000 to 750,000Bahai 150,000 to 750,000
Buddhist 2.5 million to 4 millionBuddhist 2.5 million to 4 million
Hindu 1 million to 1.3 millionHindu 1 million to 1.3 million
Muslims 1.8 million to 6 millionMuslims 1.8 million to 6 million
Jains 25,000 to 75,000Jains 25,000 to 75,000Jains 25,000 to 75,000
Jews 5.6 million to 6 millionJews 5.6 million to 6 million
Pagans 200,000 to 750,000Pagans 200,000 to 750,000
Sikhs 240,000Sikhs 240,000Sikhs 240,000
Asian Religions in AmericaAsian Religions in AmericaAsian Religions in America
Asians comprises HALF of all people living on the Earth todayAsians comprises HALF of all people living on the Earth todayAsians comprises HALF of all people living on the Earth today
- 3.5 billion people, out of a total of 7 billion- 3.5 billion people, out of a total of 7 billion
- China (1.2 billion) and India (1.0 billion) - China (1.2 billion) and India (1.0 billion)
Asian immigration to the United States has been rather recentAsian immigration to the United States has been rather recent
- late 19th-early 20th century immigration of Chinese- late 19th-early 20th century immigration of Chinese- late 19 -early 20 century immigration of Chinese
and Japanese to the Hawaii and the US West Coastand Japanese to the Hawaii and the US West Coast
- Asians exclusion acts by Congress – to limit this- Asians exclusion acts by Congress – to limit this
- Philippino immigration in 20th century- Philippino immigration in 20th century
Most of the Asia immigrant have come since 1965Most of the Asia immigrant have come since 1965Most of the Asia immigrant have come since 1965
Asia FactsheetAsia FactsheetAsia FactsheetReligious situation in AsiaReligious situation in AsiaReligious situation in AsiaReligion 1900 1970 2000Religion 1900 1970 2000
Islam 156 mill (16%) 390 mill (18%) 830 mill (22%)Islam 156 mill (16%) 390 mill (18%) 830 mill (22%)
Hindu 202 mill (2%) 460 mill (21%) 805 mill (21%)Hindu 202 mill (2%) 460 mill (21%) 805 mill (21%)
Non-Religious 428 mill (20%) 608 mill (16%)Non-Religious 428 mill (20%) 608 mill (16%)
Chinese Folk 380 mill (40%) 230 mill (10%) 383 mill (10%)Chinese Folk 380 mill (40%) 230 mill (10%) 383 mill (10%)
Buddhist 126 mill (13%) 232 mill (10%) 354 mill (10%)Buddhist 126 mill (13%) 232 mill (10%) 354 mill (10%)
Christian 22 mill (2%) 101 mill (5%) 312 mill (8%)Christian 22 mill (2%) 101 mill (5%) 312 mill (8%)
Religious Profile of Asian AmericansReligious Profile of Asian AmericansReligious Profile of Asian Americans
Baptist 10.8%Baptist 10.8%
Methodist 3%Methodist 3%
Presbyterian 2.1%Presbyterian 2.1%Episcopalian 1.8%Episcopalian 1.8%Pentecostal 1.7%
Christian Church 4.1%
Pentecostal 1.7%
Christian Church 4.1%
Churches of Christ 0.6%Churches of Christ 0.6%Churches of Christ 0.6%
Other Protestant 5%Other Protestant 5%
The Nature of “Eastern Religions”The Nature of “Eastern Religions”The Nature of “Eastern Religions”
Often speak of “Eastern” religions in contrast to the “Western” Often speak of “Eastern” religions in contrast to the “Western” Often speak of “Eastern” religions in contrast to the “Western”
(or monotheistic) religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam)(or monotheistic) religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam)
-Eastern includes Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese religions -Eastern includes Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese religions
(Confucianism and Taoism), Shinto (Japan)(Confucianism and Taoism), Shinto (Japan)
“Eastern” Religions share a set of common assumptions“Eastern” Religions share a set of common assumptions
- Nature of God (or gods) less rigidly monotheistic- Nature of God (or gods) less rigidly monotheistic- Nature of God (or gods) less rigidly monotheistic
- No gulf between God and Creation – God(s) in nature- No gulf between God and Creation – God(s) in nature- No gulf between God and Creation – God(s) in nature
- Time and human nature are cyclical, not linear- Time and human nature are cyclical, not linear
- “Salvation” is a release from the world- “Salvation” is a release from the world
- One’s life is a continuous path thoughout these cycles - One’s life is a continuous path thoughout these cycles
Hinduism and the Religions of IndiaHinduism and the Religions of IndiaHinduism and the Religions of India
Strictly speaking, there is no unified religion called “Hinduism”Strictly speaking, there is no unified religion called “Hinduism”Strictly speaking, there is no unified religion called “Hinduism”
-19th century British term to signify the religions of India-19th century British term to signify the religions of India
Hinduism is one of the most ancient religions on earth – back at Hinduism is one of the most ancient religions on earth – back at
least 5000 yearsleast 5000 yearsleast 5000 years
-waves of invaders into India bringing with them religious-waves of invaders into India bringing with them religious
ideas and practices – assimilated into the wholeideas and practices – assimilated into the whole
-ancient scriptures - Vedas and Upanishads-ancient scriptures - Vedas and Upanishads
Hinduism today is a bewildering collage of different pieties, Hinduism today is a bewildering collage of different pieties, Hinduism today is a bewildering collage of different pieties,
practices, and devotional traditionspractices, and devotional traditions
Core Elements of HinduismCore Elements of HinduismCore Elements of Hinduism
1. Supreme religious force or being – countless manifestations1. Supreme religious force or being – countless manifestations1. Supreme religious force or being – countless manifestations
2. Endless cycles of creation, destruction, and re-creation2. Endless cycles of creation, destruction, and re-creation
3. The souls of all beings continue on – they carry with them 3. The souls of all beings continue on – they carry with them
their past – the idea of “Karma” – reincarnation or rebirththeir past – the idea of “Karma” – reincarnation or rebirththeir past – the idea of “Karma” – reincarnation or rebirth
4. All beings seek release from the world – “Moksha”4. All beings seek release from the world – “Moksha”4. All beings seek release from the world – “Moksha”
5. The God(s) must be worshipped – can assist worshippers5. The God(s) must be worshipped – can assist worshippers
6. One achieves the path of release through discipline - “Yoga”6. One achieves the path of release through discipline - “Yoga”
7. All life is sacred – one should pursue non-violence7. All life is sacred – one should pursue non-violence
Many believers seek out a teacher or “Guru” to guide them along Many believers seek out a teacher or “Guru” to guide them along Many believers seek out a teacher or “Guru” to guide them along
the correct pathway to development and releasethe correct pathway to development and release
History of Religions in IndiaHistory of Religions in IndiaHistory of Religions in India
Waves of religious invaders or innovators bringing new ideas and Waves of religious invaders or innovators bringing new ideas and Waves of religious invaders or innovators bringing new ideas and practicespractices
- Aryans (from Central Asia) c. 1500-600 BC - the ideas of the - Aryans (from Central Asia) c. 1500-600 BC - the ideas of the Brahman and the development of the caste systemBrahman and the development of the caste systemBrahman and the development of the caste system
- Buddhism and other groups, such as Jains, c. 600 BC-300 AD- Buddhism and other groups, such as Jains, c. 600 BC-300 AD
Islam (from the Middle East) – c. 1200-1750 AD - ruled much - Islam (from the Middle East) – c. 1200-1750 AD - ruled much - Islam (from the Middle East) – c. 1200-1750 AD - ruled much of north India - Sikhs as a group try to mediateof north India - Sikhs as a group try to mediate
Christianity – came in the 3rd century, then again with the - Christianity – came in the 3rd century, then again with the - Christianity – came in the 3 century, then again with the European colonizers in the 18th-20th centuriesEuropean colonizers in the 18th-20th centuries
- “Hinduism” has drawn from many of these outside groups- “Hinduism” has drawn from many of these outside groups
“Export” Versions of Asian Religions“Export” Versions of Asian Religions“Export” Versions of Asian Religions
19th and 20th centuries – versions of Asian religions specially 19th and 20th centuries – versions of Asian religions specially
tailored for white, middle-class Americanstailored for white, middle-class Americans
-based on religious ideas, less on traditional practices-based on religious ideas, less on traditional practices-based on religious ideas, less on traditional practices
- Theosophy (Mde. Blavotsky) blends Buddhism and Spiritualism- Theosophy (Mde. Blavotsky) blends Buddhism and Spiritualism
- Bahai – Persian offshoot of Islam- Bahai – Persian offshoot of Islam
Vendanta Society (Swami Vivikananda) Hindu “unitarianism”- Vendanta Society (Swami Vivikananda) Hindu “unitarianism”- Vendanta Society (Swami Vivikananda) Hindu “unitarianism”
- ISKCON – Hare Krishna- ISKCON – Hare Krishna- ISKCON – Hare Krishna
- Self-Relization Movement (Transcendental Meditation)- Self-Relization Movement (Transcendental Meditation)
Recent Indian Immigration - HinduismRecent Indian Immigration - HinduismRecent Indian Immigration - Hinduism
Hinduism came into the US beginning in the 1960sHinduism came into the US beginning in the 1960s
- Hippies and their discovery of Hinduism- Hippies and their discovery of Hinduism
Post 1965 Immigration – mainly educated, middle/upper class Post 1965 Immigration – mainly educated, middle/upper class
Indian professionals and entrepreneursIndian professionals and entrepreneurs
- has much to do with the types of Hinduism in America- has much to do with the types of Hinduism in America
Tremendous variety of Hindu traditions and devotions among Tremendous variety of Hindu traditions and devotions among Tremendous variety of Hindu traditions and devotions among
Indian-AmericansIndian-Americans
- hard to develop a single temple to meet all needs - hard to develop a single temple to meet all needs
Buddhism and East Asian ReligionsBuddhism and East Asian ReligionsBuddhism and East Asian Religions
East Asia: China – Japan – KoreaEast Asia: China – Japan – KoreaEast Asia: China – Japan – Korea
- national religions – Confucianism, Daoism, Shinto- national religions – Confucianism, Daoism, Shinto
- Buddhism is often overlaid on top of these religions- Buddhism is often overlaid on top of these religions
- not seen as necessarily exclusive- not seen as necessarily exclusive
Buddhism begins in the 6th century BC in IndiaBuddhism begins in the 6th century BC in IndiaBuddhism begins in the 6 century BC in India
- context of revolt against Brahmanistic Hinduism- context of revolt against Brahmanistic Hinduism
- Siddhartha Guatama - rich Indian Prince- Siddhartha Guatama - rich Indian Prince
- quest for spiritual fulfillment – “Enlightenment”- quest for spiritual fulfillment – “Enlightenment”
- became “Buddha” – enlightened one- became “Buddha” – enlightened one- became “Buddha” – enlightened one
Development of BuddhismDevelopment of BuddhismDevelopment of Buddhism
Essentially a Hindu religious background – commonalitiesEssentially a Hindu religious background – commonalitiesEssentially a Hindu religious background – commonalities
- reincarnation, release from the world, etc.- reincarnation, release from the world, etc.
Religious thought based on Buddha’s teachings – “Dharma”Religious thought based on Buddha’s teachings – “Dharma”
-Four “Noble Truths”-Four “Noble Truths”
1. All is suffering1. All is suffering
2. Suffering comes from attachment or desire2. Suffering comes from attachment or desire2. Suffering comes from attachment or desire
3. Release from suffering is cessation (nirvana) of desire3. Release from suffering is cessation (nirvana) of desire
4. There is a path to Nirvana – “Eight-fold path”4. There is a path to Nirvana – “Eight-fold path”
One travels the path to reach Nirvana-Enlightenment – “Buddha”One travels the path to reach Nirvana-Enlightenment – “Buddha”One travels the path to reach Nirvana-Enlightenment – “Buddha”
- God? Can be Theistic – Pantheistic – non-Theistic- God? Can be Theistic – Pantheistic – non-Theistic- God? Can be Theistic – Pantheistic – non-Theistic
Buddhism in AsiaBuddhism in AsiaBuddhism in Asia
Buddhism flourishes in India for a time, then dies out thereBuddhism flourishes in India for a time, then dies out thereBuddhism flourishes in India for a time, then dies out there
- spreads to Asia outside of India- spreads to Asia outside of India
Different traditionsDifferent traditions
- Hinayana or Theravada - Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand- Hinayana or Theravada - Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand
- Mahayana - China, Japan, Korea- Mahayana - China, Japan, Korea- Mahayana - China, Japan, Korea
- Tibetan (mixed with traditional Tibetan religion)- Tibetan (mixed with traditional Tibetan religion)
Strongly opposed by both Hindus and Muslims – pushed EastStrongly opposed by both Hindus and Muslims – pushed East
- East Asia – development of different versions- East Asia – development of different versions- East Asia – development of different versions
-Zen, “Pure Land” in Japan, for example-Zen, “Pure Land” in Japan, for example-Zen, “Pure Land” in Japan, for example
Buddhism in AmericaBuddhism in AmericaBuddhism in America
Early Japanese and Chinese immigration – West Coast/HawaiiEarly Japanese and Chinese immigration – West Coast/HawaiiEarly Japanese and Chinese immigration – West Coast/Hawaii
- mainly young single men – slow to develop Religion- mainly young single men – slow to develop Religion
- Japanese “Pure Land” – Buddhist Church of America- Japanese “Pure Land” – Buddhist Church of America
Post -1965 ImmigrationPost -1965 Immigration
- Students and Professionals from East Asia- Students and Professionals from East Asia- Students and Professionals from East Asia
- Southeast Asian refugees (Vietnam-Cambodia-Laos)- Southeast Asian refugees (Vietnam-Cambodia-Laos)
- Recent refugees from Tibet- Recent refugees from Tibet
Development of National Buddhist temples – language-basedDevelopment of National Buddhist temples – language-basedDevelopment of National Buddhist temples – language-based
Buddhist Outreach to AmericansBuddhist Outreach to AmericansBuddhist Outreach to Americans
19th century - Theosophy and forms of Spiritualism19th century - Theosophy and forms of Spiritualism19 century - Theosophy and forms of Spiritualism
20th century-20th century-
- Spread of Japanese Zen Buddhism (non-Theistic)- Spread of Japanese Zen Buddhism (non-Theistic)
-1950s Beatniks - “Dharma Bums”-1950s Beatniks - “Dharma Bums”
- Nichiren Buddhism – (Soka Gakkai) – 1970s- Nichiren Buddhism – (Soka Gakkai) – 1970s- Nichiren Buddhism – (Soka Gakkai) – 1970s
- Nichiren Shoshu Academy (NSA)- Nichiren Shoshu Academy (NSA)
- Tibetan Buddhism – increasing influence since 1980s- Tibetan Buddhism – increasing influence since 1980s
-Dali Lama and Richard Gere-Dali Lama and Richard Gere
Mainly aimed at middle-class European-AmericansMainly aimed at middle-class European-AmericansMainly aimed at middle-class European-Americans