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

mgranquist001@luthersem.edumgranquist001@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