Discuss about the perils and promise of pluralism in America Essay

Discuss about the perils and promise of pluralism in America - Essay Example In such a plural state as America is, every individual have the right to choose â€Å"what part of the multiplicity he wants to have or to belong to† (Johansson and Lynoe, 2008, p.245). In such a circumstance the stability of society depends on a ‘power balance’ (Johansson and Lynoe, 2008, p.245). Although this pluralism tries to ensure the greatest good, it is not a totalitarian principle and it has certain negative effects for individual and for society at large. The first effect of pluralism is that it gives rise to deferent interest groups in the politics. As America is probably the largest democracy in the world, the pluralistic view poses the question of whether having various interest groups is good for creating a policy. One of the major challenges that have arisen in the wake of this century is ensuring the national security from terrorist attack. America’s democracy promotion policy in the Muslim countries has been resisted by the Muslim Americans. Even a lack of clear definition of democracy allowed the Muslim Americans to question the basic presumption of democracy. The Judeo Christian tradition of America made it possible to create a society based on the shared values of catholic, protestant and Jewish religion. It was possible because certain denominations of the values of these religions were supported by the American life style. The 1965 Immigration Act was pivotal in creating a congregating identity of Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs. With the widening of democracy, these culturally diverse groups have been able to lobby the administration and influence the social and cultural life of America. Within the diversity, there are cultural groups who feel marginalized and it is due to the tension between cultural groups who are struggling to monitor the values and institution for desired reformation (Machacek: 2003, p.1) Cultural pluralism in America tends to denigrate certain social groups in regards to language,

Living religion is not so much about where we finally arrive, but how Essay

Living religion is not so much about where we finally arrive, but how we move there - Essay Example The Native American Individuals had no plans of worshiping and reverenced when they were bemused by something in life. They continually changed their doctrines guiding their religion to match with the changing environment. Judaism is considered a way of people’s life. It is a living religion, since it is made up of the society, adoration and holidays. The Jewish religion thrived where there was the presence of a Jewish individual. The religious services were lively when the Jews assembled for the purposes of worship. The Judaism holidays enabled the Jews to stay connected through out the year seasons. Buddhism is an antique religious conviction practiced by the Egyptians and the Greeks. Buddhism is a living religious conviction as it is published in books and the internet. The teachings of the Buddha are applicable by the contemporary Buddhists in their daily activities in the society. Individuals still strive to apply the values of the ancient Buddha. Buddhism understands the suffering, which is part of human life contrary to other religions blaming suffering on other causes. Hinduism is the oldest creed in the universe. Its ideologies are based on the facts that everyone garners the fruits of his labor. It is based on the external truth as written in the scriptures. The religion lacks a common founder leading to conflicting ideologies spread by various groups. It is based on Gods’ involvement in the daily activity of an individual. There are several living teachers of Hinduism, hence, it is considered as a primeval living religion. It is a living religion as it evolves to match individual religious demands. Christianity has expanded to increase its number of followers. It treats all its followers as equal and is proof to the miracles, truths, peace and love in its doctrines. Christianity has never changed its religious inceptions or doctrines and is forever in a stable state of evolution. Islam is a living religion as