Wesleyan University - Philippines

College of Arts and Sciences

Mabini Extension, Cabanatuan City

Name: Vincent Jan Mikhail J. Esteban Score:

Course & Section: BS- Psychology 3-1 Date: 05/21/18
Submitted to: Sir. Alex Caballero

SUMMARY OF THE LESSONS IN ASIAN CIVILIZATION

Asian Religions
I. Religion in Asia
Based on our Preliminary Lessons in this subject, having an institutionalized
religion is an essential part in any civilization. Laws and norms created by any
civilization are usually found in its religion.

In Asia, religion has its diversity. Most of the major religions prominent in our
society today have their origins in the East. Christianity is an example. Although it
spreads its influence in the West, its origin is in Jerusalem, a part of Asia.

II. Animism
Animistic belief is the belief that spirits or gods are situated on the environment.
Unlike the Judeo-Christian belief of a supreme God residing in the heavens while its
people remain in Earth, animism believes that the spirits reside around us: in stone,
water, trees, and etc. In the Filipino context, Animism is the belief in engkantos,
diwatas, and other laman-lupa. Filipinos who still adhere to Animistic beliefs take
great care not to disturb or damage specific things found in the environment lest they
incur the wrath of any spirits residing in here.

Animism, being one of the earliest religions, also introduces a lot of shamanistic
rituals. The form of worship and practices are primeval by nature but nationalistic in
a sense that often describes the history of the country. It also believes in the
supernatural power of amulets blessed by the spirits.
III. Dharmic Religions
A. Hinduism
A polytheistic religion founded in India. Its teachings are based on the Vedas
B. Jainism
Jainism is an ancient religion from India that teaches that the way to
liberation and bliss is to live a life of harmlessness and renunciation. The aim of
Jain life is to achieve liberation of the soul.
C. Sikhism
Sikhism was founded in the Punjab by Guru Nanak in the 15th Century CE
and is a monotheistic religion. Sikhs think religion should be practised by living
in the world and coping with life's everyday problems.
D. Buddhism
Buddhism is a tradition that focuses on personal spiritual development.
Buddhists strive for a deep insight into the true nature of life. They also strive to
understand and solve the concept of suffering.

IV. Far Eastern Religions

A. Shintoism
It is a polytheistic and animistic belief in Japan. Founded by the indigenous
Ainu as long as 1000 BC. It believes in spirits residing in nature called the
Kami. Shintoists worship inside shrines. Inside the shrine is a little shelf called
Kamidana (god-shelf) where a Kami is believed to be enshrined. Accompanied
with prayers, Shintoists also offer food, tea, or flowers.
B. Confucianism
More of a philosophy than a religion, it was taught by Confucius, 2,500
years ago during the Zhou Dynasty. He taught his followers to follow particular
principles and values to achieve the title of Junzi (true nobility).
C. Chinese Folk Religion
Said to be as old as Chinese civilization itself, it believes in a variety of
gods and goddesses. Most of Chinese practices seen in modern times like: lion
dance, astrology, ancestral worship and divinations, are old traditions by this
 religion.
D. Taoism/Daoism
Taoism is the belief in the so called Tao (way). It is taught by, Lao Tzu,
and written in the book, Tao Te Ching. It aims in the acceptance of life whether
good or bad. These are evident by the Yin & Yang and symbolism of Water

V. Middle Eastern Religions

A. Zoroastrianism
It was founded by Zoroaster in 6000 BC in Northeastern Iran, then the
Persian Empire. Zoroastrian belief are found in 17 hymns called Gathas, in a
book called Yasna. Though it regards itself as monotheistic in its belief in one
god, Ahura Mazda, source of all goodness, it is also dualistic in which evil is as
eternal as good. Ahriman, father of destruction is said to be the source of that
evil. The human corpse is said to be a creation of Ahriman, as such the tradition
to expose it in a tower called the Tower of Silence. They detest the idea of it
touching good creations like water and earth.
At first the religion rose to prominence in the Persian Empire when it
became a state religion by Cyrus the Great. But persecutions from Alexander
the Great and later, Muslim invaders, drove the believers from Iran to India.
B. Islam
Islam, the Arabic word for surrender, is a monotheistic religion who strives
to follow the will of Allah. Founded by Muhammad in 7th Century AD in
Mecca, it became the prominent religion of the Arabian lands converting much
of its people from polytheism. It has five pillars: Shahada (profession of faith),
Sawm(fasting), Zakat(almsgiving), Salat(almsgiving), & Hajj(pilgrimage).
C. Judaism
Judaism traces its roots from the Hebrew civilization, descended from its
patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But, the Jewish laws, norms, and practices
formally began with Moses, the deliverer of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. The
basis of all their moral laws are written as 10 Articles (Commandments by
Christians).
 Jewish sacred text is called the Tanach composing of 3 parts: Torah(5 books of
Moses), Nevi’im(Writings of Prophets), & Ketuvim (Historical books)

VI. Christianity (Eastern)

A. History
Christianity remains as the most influential and largest religion in the world.
Its goal of redemption from the punishment of sin and eternal communion with
the God almighty still attracts many.
It was founded by Jesus Christ. Born of a Virgin Mary, Jesus began a
ministry of preaching and healing for 3 years after working as a carpenter from
Nazareth in 30 years. At the conclusion of his ministry he was betrayed,
convicted, and crucified. On the third day of his death, he was raised up into
heaven after commissioning his disciples to continue the work he has laid out.

B. Councils
As the religion grew so did its problems. At first, it was an external
persecution that threatened the Christian Church. But upon the toleration of the
Roman Empire of the religion in the 4 th century, the problems became more
internal. In response, the Church resorts to convoking an ecumenical council.
This was a gathering of all Church leaders, to resolve any internal conflict
within the Church.
C. Council of Nicea (325 AD)
This council defended the doctrine of Jesus as equal to the Father, against
the doctrine of Arius, a presbyter from Alexandria, who asserted that Jesus was
merely a creature.
D. Council of Ephesus (431 AD) and the Church of the East
This council opposed the doctrine of Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople
who asserted that there were two persons or Christ: the man Jesus and the Word
in John 1. Afterwards a group split from the Church, forming the Church of the
East situated in Iraq.
E. Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) and the Oriental Orthodox Communion
 This council was a response from bishops from Alexandria and Antioch
who had misinterpreted the decrees of the Council of Ephesus. The council
asserted that although there is only one Jesus, he remains having two natures:
God and man. This angered the Alexandrian and Antiochian Christians, who
then separated to form the Oriental Orthodox Communion
F. East-West Schism (1054 AD) and the Eastern Orthodox Church
In 1054 AD, the Church of Rome and the Church of Constantinople had an
issue regarding interpretation of doctrines and the application of practices. Both
parties excommunicated each other. The churches siding with Rome is the
modern day Catholic Church, whereas the churches who sided with
Constantinople became the Eastern Orthodox Church.
G. Council of Florence (1431-1449 AD) and the Eastern Catholic Churches
This council was an attempt for a reunification between Catholics and Eastern
Orthodox Churches. It failed when one monk from the Eastern Orthodox side,
Mark of Ephesus, refused to sign the decree of reunification. But in later years
there were Eastern Churches who decided to unify with Rome. These Eastern
Catholic Churches are united with the Roman Church, acknowledging the
authority of the Pope, but enjoying autonomous status and the privilege to keep
their practices and litugical language
H. Reformation (16th Century)
Martin Luther, a German monk, protested against the Catholic Church and
asserted that all people should be free to interpret the Bible from themselves.
This was the start of the Protestant Church and the spread of other
denominations as well.

ASIAN CULTURE
I. Philippine Culture
The Philippine culture has endured many modifications over the years. In Pre-
 Colonial times, the culture is diverse. There are mostly animistic people in Luzon
and some parts of the Visayas, while Mindanao was influenced by Islam. Epics and
tales of heroes and gods are spread from these times. A dish called Kilawin, raw
meat cooked by vinegar was invented.

In Colonial Times, the Filipinos adopt a more Christianized Catholic culture.

But in rural areas, the old shamanistic traditions continue to be preserved, some
fusing Catholic spirituality.

During the American occupation, Protestantism and liberalism was introduced

in the islands. Unlike the barongs and sayas of the Spanish Philippines, the
Filipinos adopt American clothing like tuxedos and gowns

Today, traditions and cultures of Filipinos have remnants of Indian, Malayan,

Arabian, Chinese, Spanish, and American influence

II. Chinese Culture

Chinese culture is said to be one of the strongest and oldest culture of the world.
Although China is presently a communist state (People’s Republic of China), it still
revere its ancient traditions preserved by centuries of Imperial Dynastic Rule. Unlike
the Philippines, its strategical territory protected it from any invasions.

There were only modification in Chinese culture when it became a Nationalist

state (founded by Sun Yat-Sen) and then a communist state (founded by Mao
Zedong)