Carly Zech

History 7
Period 5
4-3-14

Introduction:

The teachings within a belief system play a gigantic role in a civilization.
The teachings can affect the way people think, their character, their behaviors
and what people think of each other. Without a belief system, people would make
decisions without considering right from wrong. Ultimately, people are going to
make immoral decisions, but by having a belief system people will learn how to
make good choices and promote noble actions. Confucianism, Buddhism, and
Hinduism, are all belief systems that teach the morals of trust. Having a belief
system is important because it encourages character, good behaviors and most
importantly trust.

To better understand the role of belief systems within a civilization and how
they can influence the actions and decisions of people, consider the following
moral dilemma:

A Callous Passerby

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.

In a situation such as a Callous Passerby, a Hindu would save the drowning
boy because his action would demonstrate respect to one another. All Hindus
believed in caring for ones soul. If a Hindu were caught in this situation, they
Carly Zech
History 7
Period 5
4-3-14
would go through a different mental process than other people who might think
differently. They would probably first think about how their civilization believes
that everyone should care for one another. For example, Hindus respect all life
forms and avoid doing them harm(Frey 148). This shows that Hindus are
extremely caring for everyone and especially for ones soul. By saving the boy,
his action would be showing respect for all life. This illustrates that respecting all
life is a form of trust. In addition, the Hindu could be granted a higher-class role in
his next life. For example, When a person died, his or her soul was reborn into a
new body. But what type of body would the reborn soul get? The answer
depends on the souls karma (Frey 149). This shows that if a Hindu saves this
boy he could be rewarded into a better role in his next life. He could even be
reborn into his mentors place. If the man was rewarded a higher class in his next
life, he could be respected more by the lower class citizens. If the Hindu were to
save the boy, the Hindu would be following their belief systems focus on respect
and positive karma.
In comparison, a Buddhist caught in this dilemma would also save the
suffering boy. A Buddhist would save the boy because one of the rules of the
Eightfold path is to live a life of selflessness. If a Buddhist was to just walk away
from this situation and pretend as if he did not hear this boy suffering, he is
showing selfishness. The drowning boy needs to trust that a Buddhist would be
selfless. For example, Live a life of selflessness (not selfishness), love, and non
violence (Frey 159). Based on this example, all Buddhists should live by this
rule. By obeying this rule, there would be great trust between the boy and the
man because this man had saved his life. By doing this, it shows that he can be
trusted. If a Buddhist were to save this boy there would be deep trust and
selflessness in the world.

In both Hinduism and Buddhism, belief systems all provide trust among
citizens and political leaders. Promoting good deeds and good actions
establishes trust within a civilization. Without trust, there could be reduced
Carly Zech
History 7
Period 5
4-3-14
respect for life and property. A civilization without trust could become lost.