The Role of Religion in the United States and Egypt Essay

The Role of Religion in the United States and Egypt - Essay Example US Puritan ancestors believed that men were born evil but had the potential to be good, through self-control and self-motivation. The Protestant religion teaches that self-discipline and hard work contribute to the "godliness† of individuals (Chapter 9), which is reflected in the beliefs about human nature, and in the attitude towards work. Similarly, the Islamic belief proclaims hard work as a cherished virtue (Chapter 10). Muslims believe that people are born good and develop into positive directions (Chapter 10). The Americans view time as a key resource (Chapter 9). Their present efforts and resources are oriented to the future. Unlike the US, the time has different dimensions in Egypt; it is not a linear adherence to schedules and deadlines, but rather an abstract mixture of people and transactions (Chapter 10). The equality in the United States is proclaimed by Constitution, while the Islamic guiding document proclaiming equality is the Koran (MS Encarta, 2003). Still, st atus and financial power in both cultures are the sources of social inequality. The United States places a strong emphasis on status-defining factors like money, and power (Chapter 9). Similarly, the Egyptian society comprises of the ruling minority of Afrangi, high government officials, and academicians, and the ruling majority of natives, Baladi (Tehuti Research Foundation, 2003).The individualistic American society is much different from the group-oriented Islam, where family traditions are highly cherished (Chapter 10).