The Social and Cultural Implications of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity

The Roman Empire in the Second Century A.D.

The Roman Empire in the second century A.D. was highly admired and thus was called a true Golden Age. Edward Gibbon describes this period by asserting that humans were prosperous and happy during this era. He opines that the second century A.D. was ruled by absolute power and under the guidance of wisdom and virtue hence was indeed a true Golden Age. All the emperors during this period, namely Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus, Pius, and Marcus Aurelius took the top position through adoption and not inheritance. In other terms, leaders were chosen based on merits.

Positive Features of the Roman Empire

Generally, Gibbon acknowledges the positive features of the Roman Empire such as wealth, political stability, and devotion to the legal progress. Emperors focused on making their authorities strong by cultivating equal distribution of resources. Followers were devoted to the law to avoid conflicts with law enforcers. As such, individuals lived in peace which made it possible for art and literature to grow. Moreover, the economy flourished where people used silver denarii to trade. Overall, humans were relieved from the oppression of Domitian after he was killed in a palace coup, which was the beginning of a true Golden Age.

Negative Attributes of the Second Century A.D.

On the contrary, the second century A.D. had some negative attributes. Although it was the most peaceful era, there was an unequal distribution of resources. For instance, the elite class continued to accumulate wealth while the low classes became more impoverished than ever before. The gap between the wealthy and poor individuals widened. Moreover, slaves were not treated well and to them, the second century A.D. was not a true Golden Age. Thus, the reasons above are a refutation that some people were not happy during this era despite the emperors’ effort to improve things for the better.

Question 2

The Founding of Buddhism

Siddhartha Gautama founded Buddhism at the end of the 6th century B.C.E. The primary objective of this religion was to reduce human sufferings. The doctrine spread and expanded since monks were sent to different territories to share Buddha teachings. Buddhism reached many regions since it promoted social justice and inequality. The social and cultural implications of this movement were based on eradicating pain. People who became Buddhists changed their lives by engaging various things such as meditation and environmental conservation. Buddhism welcomed all individuals without discrimination.

The Establishment of Hinduism

Hinduism was first established between 2,300 and 1,500 B.C. The religion spread to other places due to the migration of believers from one area to another. Hinduism has significantly affected people’s lives since it emphasizes the worship of deities, namely Devi, Shiva, and Vishnu. The social and cultural implications are that this doctrine brings individuals together since it’s a way of living. Hindus are like a family, which makes the religion spread quickly due to their solidarity. Generally, Hinduism is a universal religion that welcomes people from various faiths.

The Origins of Christianity

Christianity started in the first century A.D. In particular; it began as a Jewish faith that later spread to other regions in the world. Although Christians were persecuted under the Roman Empire, Christianity became the state religion. The social and cultural implications of this doctrine were bringing people together so that they can follow the teachings of Jesus. Individuals who joined this religion became part of a movement that promoted peace and unity. As such, communities respected one another since Christianity sought to eliminate people’s differences. The doctrine became a symbol of peace between different groups of people, and this is still the case today.