A Comparative Study of Religious Participation for Social Development: A Case Study of Public Welfare in Theravada Buddhism and Roman Catholic Christianity in Mueang District, Phetchabun Province

Abstract

This research paper has 1) to study public welfare in Theravada Buddhism, 2) to study public welfare in Roman Catholic Christianity and 3) to compare religious participation: A case study of public welfare in Theravada Buddhism and Roman Catholic Christianity in Mueang District, Phetchabun Province. This study is of qualitative research, by collecting information from Tipitaka, Bible, related researches and interviewing Buddhist community and Christian community. The results of the study were found that: Public welfare in Theravada Buddhism, public welfare comes in many forms and is important to society, including giving alms, providing knowledge, medical treatment, promotion of arts and culture, and helping the impoverished person and disaster victims. These actions are in line with the principles of morality, concentration, and wisdom in Theravada Buddhism, which emphasizes on practice to bring benefit and happiness to society as a whole. Public welfare in Roman Catholic Christianity, helping and doing good to others is the expression of love and kindness of God to humanity. The Public welfare in Roman Catholic Christianity covers various activities, emphasizing on helping and assisting ones who are the needy in society according to the teachings of Jesus Christ that placed emphasis on the expression of love and kindness to others. The principles of public welfare have emphasized on the assistance and support both materially and mentally. The Application of the principles of public welfare to improve the quality of life of individuals and society is therefore an action that covers all aspects of life, whether materially, mentally, educationally or environmentally. This will help build sustainable happiness and well-being for everyone in society.