Introduction to Religion and its impact

Religion and its Definition

• Religion involves beliefs and practices related to the divine or supernatural
• It often includes worship and devotion

Examples of Religions

• Abrahamic religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam share a belief in one God and a lineage through Abraham
• Indian religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, feature rich histories and diverse practices on the Indian subcontinent
• East Asian religions like Confucianism and Daoism have influenced cultures and philosophies in East Asia

Functions of Religion

• Religion provides meaning and purpose
• Religion encourages social unity
• Religion allows for social control
• Religion fosters psychological well-being
• Religion motivates people to change

Social Justice

• Social justice, as defined by the National Association of Social Workers, posits that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities
• Social workers aim to provide access and opportunity for all, especially those in need
• Social justice equates to equal rights and equitable opportunities for everyone

Social Justice Issues

• Racial justice seeks equality and fairness for all races
• Gender equality aims to provide the same rights and opportunities regardless of gender
• Disability rights ensures fair treatment and access for individuals with disabilities
• Economic justice promotes fair distribution of wealth and resources

Religion and Social Justice

• Religion can powerfully promote social justice
• Religion can be used to justify social hierarchies and inequalities

Christianity and Social Justice

• Social justice in Christianity involves living out faith through love and action
• Christianity values every person as made in God's image, deserving fair treatment
• Jesus' life exemplifies social justice by helping the poor, sick, and outcasts
• The story of the Good Samaritan illustrates love and justice in Christianity

The Salvation Army

• The Salvation Army practices Christian values daily
• The Salvation Army aids the homeless, addicted, and impoverished, motivated by their beliefs

True Faith

• Christianity teaches that true faith means caring for others, especially the forgotten

Islam and Social Justice

• Social justice in Islam is a core principle from the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad
• Islam teaches equality in dignity and worth, emphasizing justice in all aspects of life
• Social justice in Islam entails fairness, compassion, and protection of rights, especially for the vulnerable

Zakat

• Zakat represents obligatory charity in Islam and a practical form of social justice
• Eligible Muslims donate 2.5% of their savings annually to help those in need

Judaism and Social Justice

• Social justice in Judaism stems from religious teachings and values
• "Tzedek" (justice/righteousness) and "tzedakah" (justice-driven giving) are key Hebrew terms
• Jewish law emphasizes caring for the poor, strangers, widows, and orphans to create a fair society
• "Pikuach Nefesh" highlights the obligation to preserve human life, underscoring human dignity and welfare

Shmita Year

• The Shmita year involves leaving land to rest every seventh year and forgiving debts based on the Torah
• The Shmita year reminds people of economic equality and reliance on God, reducing poverty and inequality

Hinduism and Social Justice

• Hinduism provides paths to spiritual liberation and eco-social creativity, emphasizing interconnectedness and the pursuit of truth, justice, and love
• Hinduism honors the sacredness of all life and advocates for ahimsa (non-violence)
• Hinduism balances individual liberation (moksha) with collective responsibility

Dharma

• Upholding dharma (righteousness) maintains the world

Hindu Texts

• Hindu texts promote equality, freedom of expression, self-discipline, and righteous values

Buddhism and Social Justice

• Buddhism promotes compassion, equality, and the end of suffering for all
• Non-violence (ahimsa), loving-kindness (metta), and ethical living serve as the foundation for social justice
• Buddhism emphasizes personal enlightenment and collective responsibility for a just society

Dhammapada

• The Dhammapada stresses justice, compassion, and non-harming
• Engaged Buddhism addresses real-world issues like poverty, war, and inequality through activism

Historical Religious Activism

• Religious activism involves movements and figures leveraging faith for social, political, or cultural change

Protestant Reformation (1517–1648)

• Initiated by Martin Luther's "95 Theses," which challenged Catholic Church corruption and doctrines like indulgences, leading to Protestantism, decentralized religious authority, and broader political critiques

Quaker Abolitionism (18th–19th Century)

• Quakers were among the first to condemn slavery on moral and religious grounds
• Quakers organized boycotts, published anti-slavery literature, and aided fugitive slaves

Islamic Mahdist Revolt (1881–1898)

• Led by Muhammad Ahmad in Sudan, sought to purify Islam and resist British-Egyptian colonialism
• It established a short-lived Islamic state reflecting anti-imperialism

Bhakti Movement (7th-17th Century, India)

• Hindu and Sikh saints rejected caste hierarchies and ritualism, emphasizing devotion to a personal god
• Their teachings promoted social equality

Liberation Theology (1960s–1980s, Latin America)

• Catholic clergy blended Christian theology with Marxist ideas to combat poverty and authoritarian regimes
• They advocated for the "preferential option for the poor," inspiring grassroots movements

Social Gospel Movement (1880s–1920s, U.S.)

• Protestant leaders linked Christianity to social justice, addressing industrialization's ills
• Their work influenced progressive reforms, including child labor laws and public health initiatives

B.R. Ambedkar and Dalit Buddhism (1956, India)

• Ambedkar, a Dalit leader, renounced Hinduism and converted to Buddhism with 500,000 followers to escape caste oppression
• This protest galvanized Dalit rights movements and challenged India's caste system

Solidarity Movement (1980s, Poland)

• The Catholic Church, led by Pope John Paul II, supported the Solidarity trade union's fight against communist rule
• Religious symbols and moral framing mobilized mass resistance, culminating in Poland's transition to democracy

Wahhabi Movement (18th Century, Arabia)

• It allied with the Saud family, shaping modern Saudi Arabia and influencing global Islamic reformism

Anti-Apartheid Religious Activism (1980s, South Africa)

• Figures like Desmond Tutu and the South African Council of Churches condemned apartheid as immoral using Christian teachings
• Churches provided sanctuaries for activists and mobilized international pressure

Contemporary Religious Activism

• Contemporary religious activism uses religious beliefs and practices to mobilize people and advocate for change

Social and Political Engagement

• Religious groups participate in politics, lobbying, and advocating for social justice issues

Community Organizing

• Religious communities address local issues and support community development

Faith-Based NGOs

• NGOs address social and environmental challenges

Religious Influence

• Religious leaders shape social movements using moral authority and faith-based principles

Interfaith Cooperation

• Religious groups collaborate to promote understanding, reconciliation, and shared goals

Civic Engagement

• Religious groups participate in civic life, volunteering and advocating for social change

Role of Religious Leaders

• Religious leaders provide moral leadership by guiding ethical action in communities
• They advocate for justice by speaking out on injustice
• They serve as mediators and peacebuilders by bridging divided groups
• They inspire collective action by mobilizing people through faith
• They have historical impact, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Desmond Tutu

Moral and Ethical Frameworks

• Many religions offer ethical guidelines challenging unjust structures and promoting empathy

Community Mobilization

• Religious institutions provide belonging and a platform for action

Global Influence

• Faith-based organizations address poverty, education, and healthcare

Challenging Oppression

• Religious movements fight apartheid and advocate for women's rights

Religion, Human Rights, Personhood, Freedom and Justice

Key Differences

• Christianity, Islam, and Judaism view personhood as a unique soul created by God
• Hinduism sees the self as part of a universal spirit
• Buddhism denies a permanent self
• Western traditions see freedom as living rightly under divine law
• Eastern traditions value liberation from ego or rebirth
• Justice encompasses legal and social responsibility and cosmic balance

Justice in Christianity

• Justice is both legal and compassionate, focused on caring for the marginalized

Justice in Islam

• Justice is central, with God commanding fairness and Islamic law promoting social equity

Justice in Hinduism

• Justice involves living in harmony with dharma and cosmic order

Justice in Buddhism

• Justice is ethical, aiming to reduce suffering with compassion

Justice in Judaism

• Justice is a divine command, with legal, moral, and social justice being essential

Influence on Human Rights

• The idea of essential human dignity has roots in philosophical and theological traditions
• The UDHR was influenced by individuals and ideas shaped by religious ethics
• Actors feel a moral obligation to combat injustice
• Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion are acknowledged by international law

Challenges and Complexities

• Potential for conflict
• Tensions with secular human rights
• Cultural relativism vs. universalism
• Theocratic governance

Synergies

• Faith-based NGOs address human trafficking, climate justice, and refugee rights

Moral Guide

• Religion teaches compassion, humility, generosity, and love, inspiring people to help others

Human Duty

• Social justice values fairness, equality, and human rights; advocating for dignity regardless of background

Tensions

• Religious freedom and other rights can cause conflict

Conflicts

• Religious freedom vs. LGBTQ rights
• Religious freedom vs. women’s rights/reproductive rights
• Religious freedom vs. child welfare/education

Religious Unity

• The Interfaith Welcome Coalition (IWC) supports refugees and immigrants
• The Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign combats anti-Muslim discrimination
• The United Religions Initiative (URI) promotes peace, justice, and healing