Inevitable Religious Assimilation

In the chapter titled Akhenaton and Historical Diffusion, the textbook explains that the ideas that led to the development of early religions were often based upon the beliefs of other religions that had influence in the same area.  For instance, Judaism’s belief in one god may have been influenced by Akhenaton’s monotheism in Egypt under his rule.  In this case, the belief in one all powerful god may have been adapted by the Jews in the area. Egyptian Jews were exposed to the idea of having one god by living within a culture where the dominant religion was monotheism (under Akhenaton’s rule). This is an example of how ideas and beliefs spread in ancient times because of the proximity of one ethnic group to another. 

            Currently, it is difficult to find a belief or idea that hasn’t been shared or spread across different regions among different culture groups. Worldwide media such as the Internet and television have made beliefs widespread and accessible around the globe.  Though this globalization has brought connection, community, and education throughout the world, it has also made it nearly impossible to avoid the ideological influence of Western culture.

            The quick and easy spread of Western ideas has led to opposition against this natural blending of ideas between cultures. It has led to a struggle for many to maintain an original belief system. For example, Islamic fundamentalist groups like Al Qaeda are largely motivated by the concern that Western culture has had too much influence on Islamic society.  They believe that modern Western life has corrupted many Muslim governments, many Muslim people, and much of the world. They feel that it is their religious duty to combat Western culture and therefore the Western world.  This is a case where the spread of ideas and culture is unwanted and has led to violent conflicts. 

            Today, many followers of religions and cultures attempt to keep what they believe to be their core ideas and beliefs separate from assimilation.  In a world where ideas easily fuse and a range of cultures are apparent all over the world, many are facing the struggle to maintain a pure and original belief system.