RLG101H5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Chinese Buddhism, Age Of Enlightenment
Document Summary
Indigenous religions no longer exist as they once did due to syncretism: the merging of elements from different cultures. Many have been affected by christianity, and even african rituals have islamic elements. Change and syncretism have affected all religions throughout history. It may not be the same as it was many years ago, but the traditions still exist and are still authentic. Much so as christianity in the usa has been influenced by other cultures. Religions change, none are what they use to be exactly. Anthropology as an academic field can be traced to european enlightenment of 17th and. Europeans referred to oral history as using simple technology and that this use of simple technology was primitive (comes from the latin word primus meaning first) history was assumed to have begun only when europeans encountered. Indigenous cultures were seen as ideal recipients of the word of god, blank slates with no real history or religion of their own.
