Book
The Kings of Buddhism: Power, Religion, and Fury in Myanmar
(2023)
Abstract
The Kings of Buddhism explores the consequences of state regulation and protection of a country’s majority religion. Sterken argues that religious liberty or the lack thereof results from rational interest-based calculations of both religious and state actors. Using insights dating back to Adam Smith, John Locke, and Thomas Jefferson, Sterken argues that centuries of state support for Theravada Buddhism has corrupted the Myanmar religious marketplace. At the expense of religions and the society, Myanmar’s kings and military rulers have protected and regulated religion to enhance their own political survival. The consequences of state and religion entanglement include 1) a state supported religious monopoly, 2) corruption, regulation, and repression of Theravada Buddhists, 3) repression and violence against religious minorities, 4) perpetual conflict and violence, 5) a corrupt religious economy, and 6) a corruption of truth. The consequences of state control are stark and should serve as a warning to all who would seek to entangle religion and the state.
Keywords
- religion,
- Buddhism,
- State and religion,
- Christian nationalism,
- Buddhist nationalism,
- Myanmar,
- Burma,
- Nats,
- Spirits,
- Burma religion
Disciplines
Publication Date
Spring May 15, 2023
Publisher
Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN
978-1-5381-7793-8
DOI
https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538177952
Publisher Statement
Provides the reader with an excellent case study of the impact of state/religion entanglement.
Applies rational choice theoretical model to a country where the model has rarely been applied.
Provides the reader with a broad look at religion in Myanmar – not only Buddhism.
Raises questions about the manipulation of the religion for government and political use.
Provides readers a useful comparative look at the impact of religious nationalism.
Provides readers with a general overview of the Locke/Jefferson ideas of freedom of religion.
Provides an excellent discussion about the importance of religious convictions in politics.
Provides readers with a vivid look at the animist beliefs of the Myanmar people.
Citation Information
Robert E Sterken. The Kings of Buddhism: Power, Religion, and Fury in Myanmar. 1stLanham • Boulder • New York • London(2023) - 256 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/robert-sterken/29/