ABSTRACT
In the Huntington classification religion is obviously one of the criteria for identifying a civilization, but it is combined with other features, such as historical legacy or nationalism or a mere geographical criterion. Although secularization has certainly mitigated the relevance of religion, the world religions are strong enough to give countries or entire subcontinents different cultural identities. The interesting thing about Weber’s approach to religion is that he combines the two perspectives – the dogmatic and the functionalist. The main version of Hinduism has traditionally focused on the position of the Brahmans, or priests. Buddhism is expressed most visibly in the numerous monks who attempt to live up to the ethics of their Master, Siddhartha, who lived at about 500 bc. Judaism, Christianity and Islam have the same basic properties, being eschatological, dualistic, monotheistic, prophetic, messianic and chiliastic. Perhaps more than any other religion, the analysis of Islam has focused on religion and politics.
