The Servant Leadership in Diverse Contexts

Based on the ideas of Max Weber’s theory of religious leadership, this essay discusses the parallels and distinctions of service and leadership in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism. Additionally, discusses how the idea of leadership has influenced my views on various religious traditions.

Judaism bases leadership and service on an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. The Biblical figure of Moses, who led as a shepherd and freed his people from slavery, personifies leadership and service in Judaism. Moreover, Judaism believes that service and leadership should focus on a leader that can assist his followers to find the way (Bekker, 2010). That is, a servant leader leads others to a moral realm of being and doing as well. Unlike, Judaism and Buddhism, service and leadership in Christianity is epitomized by the appropriate use of power; follower-based techniques and imitating the Divine. In addition, service and leadership are anchored in far-reaching humility and empathy. Similarly, in Islam Muhammad leadership belongs to a line of prophets familiar to Muslims, Christians, and Jews. According to Quran, Muhammad leadership is identical to the moral nature (Bekker, 2010).

How the concept of leadership has shaped my thing regarding other religious traditions. Analyzing the differences and similarities of the four religions has shaped my thinking in different ways. For instance, among the Judaism, I have learned that a leader as a shepherd is the important image of servant leadership, an image used in the depiction of Judaism is King David. The views of Buddhism on service and leadership have equally shaped many things. In particular, I have discovered that a leader should help his followers find the way. With regards to Christianity, I learned that servant leadership is typified by humility, service to others, and obeying Christ. In Islam tradition, I found that service and leadership is ingrained in the commandments of Quran to serve Allah. Moreover, serving Allah makes it easier for a leader to serve his followers (Bekker, 2010). Based on the discussion, service, and leadership among the four religious traditions is to some degree similar.

Reference

Bekker, C. J. (2010). A modest history of the concept of service as leadership in four religious traditions. In Servant Leadership (pp. 55-66). Palgrave Macmillan UK.