초록 열기/닫기 버튼
Ewert Cousins’ theory of a “second axial age” is extrapolated from Jaspers’ theory. It proposes that humankind will face a paradigm shift toward a more harmonious dialogue which will unite us after having been dispersed for so long into various religions following the first axial age. The key point lies in predicting the spread of a pan-global value system away from the individual value systems that dominated the first axial age. The present study aims to explore the paradigm shift of religious culture in the Second Axial Age and Buddhism’s role and future vision in addressing such changes. First, in the coming second axial age what is the meaning of global dialogue if undertaken with a comprehensive perception of humankind’s religious culture? Second, from a Buddhist perspective, how can we understand new civilization that has emerged as a new cultural trend? Third, what is the relationship between the Second Axial trend and the movement to propagate Buddhism in the West? Through exploration of the aforementioned issues, this paper will delve into the tasks and roles of Buddhism in achieving a horizontal inter-religious fusion and dialogue in the society of the future. As new civilization is growing toward a pluralistic society that transcends boundaries and barriers, the future religious culture should be one of “inter-religious horizontal fusion and dialogue” rather than one of “conflict and judgment.” Buddhism’s open-mindedness should pave the way for a new religious culture, and Buddhists might fulfill their roles toward that end.
