Abstract
This research explores the change of cosmic ecology ideologies of Christianity and Buddhism in syncretizing with native religions through two literature works of two contemporaneous authors: the 1584’s “On the Infinite Universe and Worlds” by Giordano Bruno (1548-1600) and the 1592’s “Journey to the West” by Wu Chengen (1506-1582). These works, written during periods of religious revival in Europe and China, proposed a pluralistic, interconnected universe where the human world was not central. Both suggest a dynamic natural world with multiple coexisting realms, where all beings, human and non-human, shared a connected destiny. However, the reception of these syncretic ideas diverged significantly. While the Catholic Church condemned Bruno’s works for his idea of philosophical and religious unity and emphasized humanity’s dominion over nature, Wu’s syncretic ideas were embraced in China, reinforcing a more harmonious human-nature relationship. This study suggests that the Catholic Church’s rejection of syncretism during the Renaissance might have contributed to the ecological crisis by fostering an exploitative attitude toward nature. The research also addresses whether anti-syncretism movements influenced ecological attitudes and explores how religions can shape ecological consciousness. By comparing the cosmic ecologies in Bruno’s “On the Infinite Universe and Worlds” and Wu’s “Journey to the West,” it considers the potential of religious syncretism to foster a new, more ecological worldview for the future.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Religious Commonalities and Differences
KEYWORDS
Syncretism, Cosmic ecology, Christianity, Buddhism
