Why don't people understand that Hinduism is a monotheist religion?

Question

I don't want any answers saying, "Oh really? Then why do they have so many Gods?"

If you understood Hinduism properly, you wouldn't be saying that. I was born a Russian Orthodox, and I declare myself as a Hindu. I have read the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, and several other Holy Books. But why can't people accept that they are wrong about Hinduism being polytheist?

Answer 1

I feel for you! I too am a Hindu, who was raised a Christian.

I think it's just an assumption that people make, and they don't know enough about Hinduism to know any different. I used to think it was polytheistic too before I started to read about it. That's just the common misperception.

If people can accept Christianity as a monotheism, they certainly should accept Hinduism as a monotheism as well. Because we as Hindus believe that God is one, although He can make Him/Herself known to us in many forms and names.

Answer 2

I think the issue comes with the fact that there are a number of varying interpretations of Hinduism. While your interpretation is monotheistic (or perhaps monistic), other folks see the multiple incarnations as being seperate. That these different interpretations can exist - sometimes with little friction between them - baffles most Westerners, who are used to a somewhat more concrete view (despite the oddity with the Christian's monotheistic trinity, which is somewhat comparable.) Most Westerners are aware solely of the polytheistic interpretation, and so go with that.

Answer 3

Totally understand how you're feeling.

Some people just can't accept to know that there are other things out there in the world that could exist when there is something that they have already believed in or taught exists.

And not believing that there are so many other things out there; they're just ignorant and a bit overly protected.

If people are bugging you, they're trying to convert you. If you are bugging them, they'll probably think that you're trying to convert them.

Religious people are annoying and stubborn. Ignore them.

I should be ignoring you too, but I couldn't help it, so I wouldn't blame you either. <3

Answer 4

I do not understand Hinduism, and I didn't know that Hindus were monotheistic. I saw many websites that said that they worshipped hundreds of gods... I guess we were taught wrong.

Answer 5

Third biggest religion in the world... Hinduism is sometimes considered a polytheistic religion, but such a view tends to oversimplify a diverse system of thought with beliefs spanning polytheism, monotheism, panentheism, monism and even atheism. For instance, the Advaita Vedanta school holds that there is one causal entity (brahman), which may manifest itself to humans in multiple forms.

It is easy for us, outside the religion to misunderstand this, but why do you care, its your belief, and may your god go with you, in whatever manifestation he/she chooses.

Answer 6

I believe you b/c a Mason can practice Hinduism, and they require you to have montheistic beliefs. No explanation here, but be happy knowing I understand enough to be on the same page as you.

Answer 7

I've wondered the same thing! I've learned all about different religions, including Hinduism, and they ARE monotheist.

Answer 8

I know little about the Hindu religion. But, I was under the impression that there is one G-d, and all the statues are the different essences of that one G-d.

Answer 9

I'm really rather ignorant about Hinduism, but isn't there one god who's represented by three parts, and they each have a different purpose?

Answer 10

Because people are fools. They have no understanding that the Hindu diety is one in many many forms..... Kinda like the Trinity, only better and way more original....

Long Live Lord Shiva!!