Dialectical Sociology of Religion in the Context of Jainism

Summary

The article "Dialectical Sociology of Religion in the Context of Jainism" explores Hans Mol’s dialectical sociology, a theory that sees religion as balancing human needs for stability and change. Mol outlines four integrative functions—objectification, commitment, ritual and myth—that enable communities to preserve identity while adapting. The author applies this framework to Jainism, noting its metaphysical dualism between living (jīva) and non‑living (ajīva) substances and its doctrine that objects have enduring qualities (guṇa) and transient modes (paryāya). Jain logic embraces permanence and change through syādvāda and recognizes universals both crosswise (shared across substances) and lengthwise (evolving over time). Because it does not assign absolute permanence or flux to reality, Jainism is especially hospitable to Mol’s dialectical approach. The article then discusses how Jainism survived as a minority tradition: royal patronage, strong lay participation, and adaptation to Hindu society helped preserve it. Ahiṃsā (non‑violence) acts as an emotional anchor that unites followers. In conclusion, Jainism’s dualism and ethical emphasis on non‑violence provide an intellectual and emotional basis for balancing stability with adaptation, explaining the tradition’s resilience.