T H E O L O G O S - Prešovská univerzita v Prešove

Bożena Drzewicka
cold war. In fact, there is a conflict in the field of international law. Its
object has been identified but the conflict itself can hardly be solved as it
is a controversy affecting the international and the domestic law. A further
complication arises from the fact that the legal discourse is accompanied
by an ethical one, whereby the latter easily becomes a basis for discussions
of the other aspects. The problem cannot be solved because of the
so-called traditional understanding of human rights and sovereignty. 13
A factor facilitating a mutual approximation of the basic values is, in
this case, that Asian religious diversity. It is commonly accepted without
any religious divisions comparable to the conspicuous ones observed in
Europe. Though cases of religion-bases violence are known from China
and India. There is, anyway, a close connection of religion and ritual
rather than one of religion and ideological or doctrinal aspects. Furthermore
a low degree of institutionalization can be discerned (except for
Taoism and Buddism). 14 Due to this, no religious wars comparable to those
fought in Europe have ever taken place in Asia. In contrast with the
three monotheistic religious within the Mediterranean region (Judaism,
Christianity and Islam) in Asia one observes an amazing religious diversity
as well as a quick adoption to new conditions. In fact (this was rightly
pointed out by R. Kapuściński), it does not seem practical to perceive
Asia as a continent having religions in the European sense, for the notion
of God is not known there. 15
The different approach to religion seems to be reflected in the flexibility
of the values accepted by entire societies. Another consequence is
tolerance and acceptance of differing ideas. A highly interesting phenomenon
is the Asian approval of modernization processes. Those who are
especially optimistic believe in a simultaneous economic, social and political
transformation. Modernization is perceived as inevitable and beneficial
to everyone involved. Those who are aceptical fear the Western
civilization, usually associated with a moral and cultural degeneration.
Debates, inspired by different milieus, do not stop. Such an attitude has
already resulted in a synthesis. The attitude alluded to should be assessed
as one stimulations an intercultural communication. This, “nothing has
been settled, closed or sealed”. 16
In Asia, conceptions of rationalizing or even modernizing the religious
beliefs and practice are developed. No such development could be
13
Cf. D. Philpott, Revolutions In Sovereignty: How Ideas Shaped Modern International
Relations, Princeton University Press 2001, p.3-20.
14
A. Kłoczewska, Religijność ludowa Chińczyków na Tajwanie – wyniki badań w terenie,
„Azja – Pacyfik” 2003, No 6, p. 68-71.
15
R. Kapuściński, op. cit., p. 71.
16
Ibidem, p. 7.
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