On how religions could accidentally incite lies and violence: folktales as a cultural transmitter

Folklore serves as a crucial cultural transmitter, offering a socially acceptable platform for expressing culturally conflicting desires and behaviors. This study analyzes Vietnamese folktales using Bayesian multilevel modeling and Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques to investigate the interplay between religious teachings (Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism) and deviant behaviors (lying and violence) on story outcomes. The findings reveal that while lying and violence generally lead to negative consequences, their association with religious teachings produces varied outcomes. Positive outcomes are observed when Confucianism is associated with lying and Buddhism with violence. The results contribute to the existing literature on discrepancies between folklore and real-life conduct, emphasizing the complexity of human decision-making.

Quan-Hoang Vuong, Manh-Tung Ho, Hong-Kong T. Nguyen, Thu-Trang Vuong, Trung Tran, Khanh-Linh Hoang, Thi-Hanh Vu, Phuong-Hanh Hoang, Minh-Hoang Nguyen, Manh-Toan Ho, Viet-Phuong La