notaname
4/17/2007

I am working on my final paper for a world religions class that I'm taking. Please be kind and answer a few questions for me! Don't feel obligated to answer all, just let me know which answers belong to which questions. Thanks!!!

1. Why are you Hindu?

2. Is organized worship a part of your religion? If so, do you participate?

3. How does the country that you live in treat Hinduism?

4. Have you ever had to defend your choice of religion?

5. Have you ever been criticized or even persecuted because youre Hindu?

6. If you had to pick a different religion to follow, what would it be and why?

7. Are there any religions that you feel are in direct opposition to Hinduism?

8. There are many Christian holidays that are celebrated by non-believers. Does Hinduism have any holidays or feasts that are celebrated in the secular world also?

9. As a Catholic in America, I think that the people in my church community are very different from my neighbors and those who I work with. Do you feel that your religious community is compatible with your secular community?

10. As a Hindu, what are your thoughts on Roman Catholicism? Dont be shy! Please answer honestly. 	


gangajal
4/17/2007

[[[1. Why are you Hindu?]]]

I was born into a Hindu family.

[[[2. Is organized worship a part of your religion? If so, do you participate?]]]

There is public worship although there is no organized church. I do participate occasionally.

[[[3. How does the country that you live in treat Hinduism?]]]

There is no religious persecution.

[[[4. Have you ever had to defend your choice of religion?]]]

No.

[[[5. Have you ever been criticized or even persecuted because youre Hindu?]]]

No.

[[[6. If you had to pick a different religion to follow, what would it be and why?]]]

Since all religions are paths to the Supreme, there is no reason to pick a different religion.

[[[7. Are there any religions that you feel are in direct opposition to Hinduism?]]]

Yes, Christian and Islamic theologies are certainly not in agreement with Hinduism.

[[[8. There are many Christian holidays that are celebrated by non-believers. Does Hinduism have any holidays or feasts that are celebrated in the secular world also?]]]

I do not know.

[[[9. As a Catholic in America, I think that the people in my church community are very different from my neighbors and those who I work with. Do you feel that your religious community is compatible with your secular community?]]]

Yes.

[[[10. As a Hindu, what are your thoughts on Roman Catholicism? Dont be shy! Please answer honestly.]]]

Roman Catholicism does not follow the Sermon on the mount. It imposes unproven dogmas and makes bombastic claims that it is the only true religion and its God is the only true God. So I do have a poor opinion about it.


notaname,

there are several traditions within the so-called Hinduism with different views. I'll try to represent a Vaishnava view (traditional devotional monotheism). On the other hand, Gangajal's is a reformist neo-Vedanta view of Ramakrishna Mission.

1. I found Vaishnava traditions to be the widest and most profound of all, explaining all other streams of spirituality in a systematic way.
2. Most of Vaishnavas are not organized. I'm actively affiliated with ISKCON, the largest Vaishnava organization.
3. Freedom of religious expression but not equal media opportunity (I live in Czech Republic).
4. Not in a life-threatening situation, just a bit in my family. ;)
5. No.
6. If you mean different tradition outside Vaishnavism, then Pure Land Buddhism which is almost identical.
7. Mainly ignorant and immature 'followers' of few other traditions which we sometimes get challenged by. I mean radical Protestants and radical Muslims.
8. India is formally secular. ;) Possibly in some East Asian countries but not in the West.
9. They have incompatible paradigms. See Matt 6:24 ('one cannot serve two masters')
10. One has to sharply differentiate between original teachings and a sad historical reality. Vaishnavas follow Vedic scriptures which have a verification/check system. What is not well-known though, is that they support main Jesus's teachings.

Hope this helps. Hare Krishna

Your servant, bh. Jan

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