Culture and Civilization Unit 2 Study Guide

Question 3

Jeromy Rech

The first thing we want to explore in terms of religion is to look at why Buddhism
expanded and grew during the post classical period while the great empires collapse. After the
collapse of Han China, there is a period of disarray and upheaval, but Buddhism comes into
China and has a strong focus on peace and solace. There is the two parts of Buddhism
Terravana (old and unchanging) and Mahayana (new and reformed) which played new roles.
The Mahayana had: New role for monks, which was to go out and find converts (solicitate),
Retreats focused on contemplation and peace, Buddha now becomes a god, Nirvana is now
reclassified as Heaven, Bodhisstavas are examples of a model or good life should go to
Nirvana, but opt to live an extra life to serve as an example of how to act this is the Buddhist
version of a saint. Buddhism also has conflicts with Confucianism, which is the outgoing
religion, and acts as a counter-ideology to the Han Dynasty.
For Christianity, the expansion and growing during the post classical period while the
great empires collapse was a slightly different story. Christianity promised salvation, not
materials good. Christianity elevates/appeals to the poor. Christianity recognizes spiritual
equality between men and woman. Christianity serves as a counter-ideology to Rome. Christian
martyrs increased converts because it amazed people the strengths of their beliefs. They also get
the big fish when Paul joins the team. Paul used to persecute Christians, but on the road to
Damascus, has a dream which he meets Jesus. He then becomes the spokesperson from
Christianity and acts as the evangelizer for the Gentile population. Paul organized the Christian
Church and clarifies theological ambiguity. Paul was also proactive and stayed in touch with his
Churches through epistles (letters). Other notable people include Augustine, who takes Christian
theology and places it with Greek philosophy. The intellectual society likes/approves of this
because Greek was the standard at the time. Benedict was responsible for the monastic
movement. Monasteries were removed to far off places to focus on meditation, reflection, prayer,
and also served as a place to protect/preserve Roman leaning/traditions.