Question

1. What religions share elements or aspects with Transcendentalism and which ones?

A) Buddhism
B) Islam
C) Christianity
D) Hinduism

2. What religions could seem anti-transcendentalist and why?
A) Buddhism, due to its focus on inner peace and detachment from materialism.
B) Islam, because of its emphasis on strict adherence to religious laws and doctrines.
C) Christianity, as it emphasizes faith in a higher power rather than self-reliance.
D) Hinduism, because it promotes the idea of transcending the material world through self-realization.

3. What elements of Transcendentalism appeal to you and why?
A) Self-reliance, as it encourages personal growth and individualism.
B) Nature as a source of inspiration and spiritual connection.
C) The rejection of organized religion in favor of personal spirituality.
D) The belief in the inherent goodness of people and the importance of moral principles.

Answer 1

Transcendentalism shares elements with Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. Buddhism and Hinduism have aspects compatible with the philosophy of transcendence, while Christianity shares values of self-reliance and the belief in the goodness of people. Islam can be seen as anti-transcendentalist due to its emphasis on strict religious laws and doctrines.

Step-by-step explanation:

Transcendentalism, an intellectual movement in New England, emphasized the dignity of the individual and exalted American ideals of freedom, optimism, and self-reliance. While Transcendentalism is not specifically tied to any particular religion, it shares elements or aspects with different religious beliefs:

1. Buddhism: Like Transcendentalism, Buddhism emphasizes inner peace, self-improvement, and detachment from materialism. Both philosophies promote the idea of transcending worldly desires.
2. Christianity: While Transcendentalism rejects organized religion, some Christian denominations share values of self-reliance, individualism, and the belief in the inherent goodness of people.
3. Hinduism: Hinduism promotes the idea of transcending the material world through self-realization, which is similar to Transcendentalism's focus on personal spirituality and the mystical oneness with the universe.
4. Islam: Islam's emphasis on strict adherence to religious laws and doctrines can be seen as antithetical to Transcendentalism's focus on individual freedom and transcendence.