Religion in Asia as a Vehicle for Technological Change

Usually perceived as a hindrance to technological progress, religion as a stimulus to modernization in Southeast Asia is the focus here, including specifically the role of religious beliefs in education & related expenditures & the use of religion by governments to legitimize modernization projects. Several instances in which religious personnel have helped aid development projects are reviewed. Religion is most effectively used by governments when they can claim that an apparent danger to the faith can be avoided through some innovation & when local religious leaders can become involved in the project. A. Waters