U.S. and Chinese Culture and Constitution on Religion

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Culture Difference: Religion in China and U.S.
The U.S. and China are two of the largest economies in the world. According to the World Bank, China is second to the U.S. with a GDP of $14.72 trillion, while the U.S. boasts of a GDP of $20.94 trillion (World Bank). Thus, the two countries are not only superpowers but also global leaders in almost every aspect. Regarding similarities, that is as far as the two go because the differences in cultures, leadership approaches, and the general approach to life are quite extensive. The U.S. is a country that believes in democracy and claims that its beliefs and ideals are founded on the precepts of freedom and liberty. For example, with regards to religion, the U.S. has almost every kind of religion. According to Pew Research Center, the U.S. has religions such as Christianity, the Jewish faith, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, atheism, and agnosticism (Pew Research Center). Christianity currently holds the greatest percentage of these religions, with more than 70% of U.S. citizens identifying as Christian (Pew Research Center). In China, Wenzel-Teuber (28) identifies five main religions that are known to exist in China. These include Protestantism, Islam, Buddhism, Daoism, and Catholicism. Like the U.S., China appears to accept and open its doors to whichever religion people subscribe to or identify with. However, as will be discussed in this paper, the two countries differ in terms of how much freedom of worship is allowed, regardless of their constitution declarations. Provided herein is a discussion of the differences between the U.S. and a Chinese approach to religion and religious matters.
U.S. and Chinese Constitution on Religion
To grasp the differences in religion between the U.S. and China, there is a need to consider what each country’s constitution stipulates concerning religion. Concerning religion, the U.S. Constitution states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” (Rogers, 902). From this statement, it is clear that being religious or subscribing to any religion is not deemed a crime. Therefore, the government does not have the power to stop or prevent the citizens from practicing any religion. The clarity of the above law is showcased in the citizens’ approach to religion. As indicated above, the U.S. has many religions, and in some religions, there are other divisions. For example, Pew Research Center indicates that other denominations identify as Christian (Pew Research Center). For example, there is evangelical protestant, mainline protestant, Jehovah’s Witness, and Orthodox Christian. All the above is a result of the freedom that is granted by the constitution.
The Chinese Constitution also claims to offer its citizens the right and freedom to worship. Article 36 of the Chinese Constitution indicates that “No state organ, public organization or individual may compel citizens to believe in, or not to believe in, any religion; nor may they discriminate against citizens who believe in, or do not believe in, any religion.” The Chinese Constitution is also clear regarding protecting its citizen’s right to worship or practice any religion. Like the U.S., the Chinese also have several religions within the country’s borders, and each is allowed to exercise their faith in whichever ways they prefer. However, even though the constitutions of both countries are clear about protecting their citizens’ right to practice any religion, how practical or real has this protection been? Do the citizens feel the protection of their constitutions as they seek intimacy with their various gods?
While technological advancements in the U.S. have been utilized to advance religious freedom, the same has been utilized in China to control religious practice. The emergence of smartphones, facial recognition, databases, and other technologies has allowed China’s regime to track and crack down dissenters. These technologies have been deployed to allow the government to monitor and punish any religious activity forbidden. On the contrary, technology in the U.S. has been instrumental in advancing religious ideas. In the U.S., technological advancements have been critical in advancing religious freedom. For instance, social media has become a tool for reaching out to others and spreading religious beliefs. Believers in the U.S. continue to take advantage of technological developments, which is impossible for China.
Unlike the U.S., which has a lot of freedom of worship, China has been at the forefront in opposing religious entities that the government does not recognize. The U.S. beliefs in the freedom of religion. As enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution, every person is free to practice their religious beliefs or no religion at all. The government is expected to protect the rights of individuals to belong to a religious group or groups or even not in any particular religious group. Therefore, individuals are free to worship,...