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Not long ago, I read a report on the welfare models in Western society, categorized by four separate religious denominations. (Ding Gang, Global Times)
In the UK, more than half the population belongs to the Church of England; in Northern Europe, about 85 percent of the population follows the teachings of the protestant Lutheran church; in Italy and France, 90 percent and 70 percent respectively is Roman Catholic.
The survey confirms the research findings of many scholars who have studied European social development: The main driving force for social reform comes from moral convictions, mainly love and humanity in traditional Western religions.
The establishment of religion in the Swedish model has important implications. Christianity was introduced to Sweden in 829, and in early 12th century, Sweden’s parish system was developed. The introduction of Christianity brought about philanthropy. Many parishes established orphanages and psychiatric hospitals, called “insane asylums” in a less enlightened age.
While the church became a center for the poor, it also played a role in making moral decisions. For example, clergymen could punish the rich who refused to “pay for the poor” and expel them from the church.
FULL STORY
China needs to set its own moral priorities for the future (Global Times)
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