the Hindu religion

The world is home to many cultures and religions. The various cultures have their own unique way of doing things, and so are the various religions. Many people tend to be familiar with only the rules that guide their religion but are ignorant of the practices of other religious groups. Most of the time, people dismiss or disregard the religious practices of other religions that are different from theirs; this has in turn brought some misconception on the practices of some religions.

Various efforts have been made by people from different religions to explain the doctrines and religious practices within their religion to others who do not belong to their religions. These efforts are aimed at clarifying the misconceptions about various religions that sometimes lead to misunderstandings. The article by Rhea Almeida, on chapter 28 of the book McGoldrick gives an overview of the Indian culture and the difference between the Christian, Hindus and Muslims of Indian origin.

The writer gives a history of the Hindu religion as well as the good and bitter periods it has endured. The first ever people to invade India were the Aryans about 1500 B.C. They brought with them strong traditions. The Aryans were not only conquerors but also warriors they lived alongside the Indus. They introduced the caste system that forms the foundation of the Hindu culture. The Aryans lived in the north for about 700 years and finally moved to the south where they settled on the Ganges valley. In the valley, they were able to build very large Kingdoms that spread throughout the north.

The piece of writing brings out the various aspects of the Hindu culture such as their heavenly icons and religious beliefs; for example, the belief that when one dies the soul is born again in either another human being or an animal form. The author also brings out some disturbing facts such as the day-to-day devaluation of Indian, but highlights how they are respected in the Hindu Scriptures.

The article tries to give an insight in the Islamic religion, which covers some of the core values championed by Islam. Explanations of the five pillars of Islam are well described that even a non-Muslim finds it easy to apprehend. The author discusses some of the dark moments of the Islam religion in the recent past, especially after the now famous 911 terrorist attack. After the terrorist attack, the way most Americans Regarded Islam’s changed completely as a majority of people in the United States starting regarding Muslims as terrorists. Due to this notion, the author tries to differentiate the facts and myths associated with the Islamic religion.

The author also touches on Christianity by giving a brief origin, and some religious practices such as the flexibility if the Christians in India of allowing their children, both male and female, to go to church and even attend other social activities. The absence of dress code among the Christians is also discussed in comparison to Hindu and Islamic religions that dictate on the dress code.

Analysis

The article elaborates more about the Islamic religion the other two religions. Some facts that are given in regard to Islam cannot be proved such as the issue of Islam being the fastest growing religion both in the United States of America and in the whole World. Another fact that I find misplaced is that Muslims are heterogeneous and that the level of acculturation in the various host countries affects the “purity of Islamic beliefs and practices.” Such notion can be interpreted that Muslims have no respect to the religion of the people hosting them, which then Means that Muslims should live secluded from the rest of the people.

In regards to Hindu religion, the author does not explain how the native Hindus use to pray or the religion before the coming of the Aryans. A question that comes into mind after reading about the Hindu religion is “Can it be said that the Hindu religion is discriminative.” This is based on the issue of castes and the issue of marriage. The author does not explain much about Christianity, such as their religious beliefs, practices, or what the religion stands for which leaves me wondering if the article was just about two religions in India. The article looks like the author was more interested in defending the beliefs and practices of the Islamic religion other than enlightening the readers of the three different religions found in India.

Conclusion

All religious groups have their own doctrines and rules. Some rules may not apply to a different religions, but this does not mean that they are not ideal. It is only through learning more about other people’s religion that the different religious groups can co-exist in peace. It should also be noted that no religious group is superior to the other. Some religions have for a long time been condemned about some of the practices by people who do not understand the reason why it is being practiced. Such misconceptions can only be dealt with by trying to know about other religions.