COMPARING RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS
I recommend printing out this checklist and completing it as you go through the course.  One thing that will be important is to note differences within a major tradition.  For instance, Theravadin Buddhists would have to be described rather differently than would be those who follow Nichiren Shoshu, and certainly Catholics and Protestants are different (and there are crucial differences among Protestants themselves).


--How is membership in the group defined? (At one extreme we have traditions in which an individual must be born within the group so that expectations are defined strictly by birth.  At the other extreme we have traditions which are completely open.  In between we have traditions in which there is a some process of acceptance or conversion.  Think about what it takes for someone to be recognized as a full member or participant in the tradition.)

Hinduism:



Buddhism:



Confucianism:



Daoism:



Judaism:



Christianity:



Islam:



--What defines authority in the tradition?  Is there a clear distinction between clergy and laity, and, if so, how does one become a member of the clergy?  Is there such a thing as a monastic lifestyle for some members?

Hinduism:



Buddhism:



Confucianism:



Daoism:



Judaism:



Christianity:



Islam:



--Is there a collection of recorded teachings (scriptures), and, if so, how open are they to individual interpretation?  (Think about who has access to these scriptures and the role they may play in preparing someone for a specific role in the tradition.)

Hinduism:



Buddhism:



Confucianism:



Daoism:



Judaism:



Christianity:



Islam:



--How is the concept of divinity understood?  Is there a concept of a soul distinct from the body?  What is the importance of the body and the physical world?  What is expected to happen after death?  Is there a belief about the end of the world itself?

Hinduism:



Buddhism:



Confucianism:



Daoism:



Judaism:



Christianity:



Islam:



--What are ordinary patterns of worship or prayer?  What emphasis is placed on personal religious experience (emotional reactions, for instance)?  Are there specific buildings set aside for worship, and, if so, what would characterize their appearance?

Hinduism:



Buddhism:



Confucianism:



Daoism:



Judaism:



Christianity:



Islam:



--What are the most important legends within the tradition?  What are the most important festivals?  (Think about how these are to be observed.)

Hinduism:



Buddhism:



Confucianism:



Daoism:



Judaism:



Christianity:



Islam:



--What expectations are there for members in terms of their activities?  For instance, are there limits on their occupations?  Is there expected attendance at a specified place of worship?  Are there dietary restrictions? 

Hinduism:



Buddhism:



Confucianism:



Daoism:



Judaism:



Christianity:



Islam:



--How are family roles understood in the tradition?  For instance, are there different roles for men and women?  Are there provisions for divorce and remarriage?  Are clergy allowed to be married?

Hinduism:



Buddhism:



Confucianism:



Daoism:



Judaism:



Christianity:



Islam:



--What is the expected relationship between members and non-members?  Is intermarriage allowed?  Is there meant to be an effort to convert others? (Here you should look at whether there is an expected degree of isolation with the community itself.)

Hinduism:



Buddhism:



Confucianism:



Daoism:



Judaism:



Christianity:



Islam:



--To what degree do the expectations of the religion set up conflict with civil authority?  What provisions are made for any exemption from things required of other citizens?

Hinduism:



Buddhism:



Confucianism:



Daoism:



Judaism:



Christianity:



Islam: