Thesis statement:

Olivia Ray 5 1/13/14 World Dilemma Scenarios

A belief system is important because it explains what is right or wrong for a person to believe or act.

Belief Systems Essay

Choosing the right or wrong answers can determine the over-all success of a civilization. Doing the right thing determines success or failure in a society because of the decisions made by the people. Hinduism, Buddhism and Confusisum are some of the many systems that shaped the world once in the past and taught many right morals to their civilizations. Belief systems help the society that many people know today because it tells people that one action is wrong or this other action is right. Of course, belief systems can be taken in any perspective depending on the person, but a belief system does contribute some thought in a persons actions. A belief system is important because it explains what is right or wrong for a person to believe or act. To better understand the role of belief systems within a civilization and how they can influence the actions and decisions of a people, consider the following moral dilemma: Roger Smith, a skillful swimmer, is out for a leisurely stroll. During the course of his walk he passes by a deserted pier from which a teenage boy who apparently cannot swim has fallen into the water. The boy is screaming desperately for help. Smith recognizes that there is absolutely no danger to himself if he jumps in to save the boy; he could easily succeed if he tried. Nevertheless, he chooses to ignore the boy's cries. "Why should I inconvenience myself for this kid," Smith says to himself, and passes on. If Roger Smith believed in the concepts of a Confucian, he would have the moral obligation to save this boy. In the belief system of Confucianism, it is important to set a perfect example for the younger people around you. All those younger have to obey the tasks and demands of those older. This contains order and such, if the younger citizens follow and obey those older. All people must respect and obey those above them. In return [the elders] must set a good example (Frey 208). Older people must set a good example so the younger people will know how to act. Sadly if there were younger citizens around Smith and saw him being selfish, they would learn to become selfish as well. These people will think that it is wrong to save another person who is drowning because the older citizens around them dont. These younger people wont care about human life or use their abilities to save a person. According to Confucianism, a younger person must follow the example of

an older person. There for, if Smith doesnt choose to save the boy, others will follow in his footsteps. In contrast, if Roger Smith did save this boy and did believe in the religion of Confucianism, people would show their respect for him and his examples, by following in his footsteps. The people who would follow Smith would be the ones who care for others

Olivia Ray 5 1/13/14 World Dilemma Scenarios

and save people if they needed the help. Therefore, if Roger Smith cared about the values of Confucianism, then the boy that was drowning would survive. If Roger Smith believed in the Buddhist religion, then he too would have a moral obligation to save the drowning boy. If Smith saved this boy, it would bring him a step closer to becoming enlightened and living a peaceful life, free of suffering. If Smith doesnt save this boy, he will have guilt in his heart because he was able to save this boy, but chose to be selfish. This guilt would cause not only sadness and suffering, but also it would be harder for Smith to reach enlightenment. Frey stated that, [A Buddhist must] live a life of selflessness, love, and nonviolence (159). This is one of the many steps to reach enlighten according to the Buddha, the creator of this religion. As a Buddhist, it is important to become unselfish, so a person can reach bliss, otherwise known as enlightenment. Not only must a Buddhist follower remember to be unselfish, but also he or she must love and live a life where he or she cares about others. If Smith were a Buddhist he would need to help this boy because living a life of love and selflessness helps a person reach bliss. If Smith doesnt save the boy, he would become selfish and undeserving of being enlightened. If he takes the time to care for others around him and open his eyes to see that it isnt all about himself, Smith would have a chance to become like the Buddha. But until then, Smith has to help other people to become the one chosen to be enlightened. Roger Smith has the moral obligation to save the boy because it is important to be unselfish in the religion of a Buddhist. Buddhism and Confucianism are both entirely different religions that contain some of the same beliefs and some different beliefs. Confucianism was created to preserve order in China so that younger citizens would obey and elders would create good examples for everyone to follow. This was created that the idea that fathers, kings, older siblings and older friends would have the right to lead younger people. And sons, subjects, younger siblings and younger friends would have the right to obey. Unlike Confucianism, Buddhism is a different concept all together. The Buddhist created this religion to help his subjects reach enlightenment and end suffering. Unlike Confucianism, people didnt have to obey

their older superiors, but had to live a life of selflessness and nonviolence. The followers were told to be honest and care for everyone, which supposedly led him or her to being enlightened. The religion of Confucianism also taught people to be honest and kind to

Olivia Ray 5 1/13/14 World Dilemma Scenarios

everyone, like Buddhism. Both these religions not only taught people to be kind and honest, but also selfless. Selflessness taught people to care for others and not just themselves, which caused people to help others more. So therefore, it is important to teach the correct actions through a belief system because it benefits the society in the end.