The Practice of Altruism: Caring and Religion in Global PerspectiveCambridge Scholars Press, 2006 - 209 pages The study of altruism and altruistic behavior has caught the attention of social scientists especially in recent years. What motivates individuals to cultivate attitudes and actions that promote the wellbeing of others at the expense of, or at the risk of negative consequences for their own? In our contemporary global society marked by conflict and violence among different sectors of the population in various regions of the world, and wherein religion can be a factor that exacerbates such conflict and violence, harnessing the power of religion towards directions of reconciliation, creativity, and altruistic action, remains a crucial task for humankind. This volume addresses a question especially relevant in our day: do people who profess religious commitment or affiliation in a particular religious community tend to nurture altruistic kinds of attitude and action more than others? Social scientists present results of their empirical studies on Japanese society, as well as on North American, European, Indian, and Thai societies, to focus on this issue and offer insightful reflections on the relationship between religion and society. |
From inside the book
Results 1-3 of 54
... involved in charitable activities and how altruism is nurtured . It can be stated with some degree of certainty that amongst new religions there are some that positively encourage a change in their members ' attitudes towards altruism ...
... involved in relief activities for Cambodian refugees in the refugee camps along the Thai - Cambodia border . In 1981 , it was reorganized as the Sōto - shū Volunteer Association ( SVA ) , and then in 1999 when it obtained legal status ...
... involved in the Vihara movement and care of leprosy patients in Japan . Through its overseas activity , it seeks to establish health - care facilities in Asian countries for leprosy patients and weaker sections of the society . In 2005 ...
Contents
Altruism in New Religions in Japan | 12 |
Kamagasaki Ecumenical Network | 43 |
Japanese Buddhist Responses to Terrorism | 60 |
Copyright | |
7 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
The Practice of Altruism: Caring and Religion in Global Perspective Ruben Lf Habito,Keishin Inaba No preview available - 2008 |