The Global Role of Religion in Politics and Commerce: 1400 - 1650

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During the period from 1400 – 1650, no one religion could claim to be totally tolerant. Religion played a supporting role, if not a primary role, in pretty much every effort by any empire to expand and control land, resources, and people. Every effort at increasing trade and political influence was coupled with an effort of coercive religious conversion through threat of violence, or at a minimum, the tolerance of indigenous beliefs with the understanding that the new empire’s politics would be directed by people of a different religion than those conquered. Of all the major religions of the day, Buddhism, Hinduism and Taoism were probably the most tolerant – with my vote going to Hinduism. It is relatively easy for a polytheistic religion to accept the existence of other gods not worshipped by the followers of that religion, but not for monotheistic religions to do so (Robinson, 2016). Because of the Hindu traditions, freedom of belief and practice have traditionally been notable features of Hinduism (K., 2006). Most forms of Hinduism are henotheistic religions (Robinson, 2016). They recognize a single deity, and view other Gods and Goddesses as manifestations or aspects of that supreme God or Goddess. Henotheistic and polytheistic religions have traditionally been among the world's most religiously tolerant faiths (Robinson, 2016). As a result, South-East Asia has traditionally been one of the most religiously tolerant regions in the world.

References:

Big era six: The great global convergence 1400-1800 CE. (n.d.). Retrieved May 3, 2017, from National Center for History in the Schools at UCLA website: http://worldhistoryforusall.sdsu.edu/eras/era6.php

Henderson, Mr. (n.d.). Unit III: 1450 - 1750 C.E. Retrieved May 3, 2017, from History Haven website: http://www.historyhaven.com/APWH/unit%203/UNIT%20III%20NOTES.htm

K., F. (2006, December 3). A list of the most tolerant religions. [Blog post]. Retrieved from Yahoo Answers website:https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?

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Robinson, D. M. (Ed.). (2008). Culture, Courtiers, and Competition: The Ming Court (1368 - 1644) [PDF]. Retrieved from http://www.history.ubc.ca/sites/default/ files/documents/readings/robinson_culture_courtiers_ch.8.pdf

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The Great Global Convergence 1400-1800 CE: The Long Reach of the Major Religions 1500 - 1800 [PDF]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://worldhistoryforusall.sdsu.edu/units/ six/landscape/Era06_landscape7.php