It is clear that Hinduism is not a religion, but a way of living – a set of faiths, rituals and superstitions etc. Even top leaders of Hindutva have declared this. A Hindu, then, is basically an atheist. When he adopts a religion, he is not getting converted, but becoming religious. Even if Hinduism were a religion, a Hindu’s conversion to another religion cannot be banned by law, since it is one of his basic citizenship rights to embrace the faith that he wants. Similarly, most of Indian tribals are not even Hindus. Acceptance of a religion by them cannot be seen as forcible religious conversion. Also, a person cannot be forcibly converted with regard to his religion (if at all he has one) since religion is, and should be (even though frequently in India it is not!) in one’s mind and the mind is not really amenable to physical force.
2007-02-20 02:09:06 · 12 answers · asked by drapjohny 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Hindi is a blend of many beliefs that came together because of the many warlords and annialation of the Hindi people over the millinium. The Dali Lama does not call himself an atheist. Been watching youtube again.
ME
2007-02-20 02:13:58 · answer #1 · answered by Dust in the Wind 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Conversion to any religion is a human right for which non has been empowered by nature.Whatever you call Hinduism,it cannot surpass the law of nature.Nobody can make anybody to adopt/accept his ideas unless he is convinced by his own conscience.Hindus forcibly converted many muslim woman and domestic servants at the time of partition between India and Pakistan but after 60 years, the third generation of those repressed have openly emerged as a sizeable community in different parts of India.Muslim majority in Pakistan is indulging in a similiar exercise but the results are similiar to those in India.
2007-02-21 01:57:15 · answer #2 · answered by shahinsaifullah2006 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I agree with you that conversion to a dif religion shouldn't be banned, yes, BUT I disagree that Hinduism isn't a religion. I'm not a Hindu (I'm Muslim), but how does one define religion? If a group of people claim to be following a religion, who's anyone to tell them they're wrong?
And atheist is one who doesn't believe in God; Hinduis believe in tons of gods... even though their Holy Scriptures teaches about ONE God. (irf.net, then go to "Comparative Religions," then "Hinduism," and then "The Concept of God" if you wanna confirm.)
But, yes, you're right that conversion to another religion shouldn't be banned; that's just silly. But just so you know, most South Asians have the tendency to ignore the law no matter what it mandates. Just because the gov't says you can't convert doesn't at all mean the citizens/residents will obey.
2007-02-20 02:26:42 · answer #3 · answered by ♡♥ sHaNu ♥♡ 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Many people are converting daily to different religions: Hinduism, Buddhism {the two most predominant religions in India), Christianity, and many religions and philosophy's of life.
**Hinduism "is" a religion. Hinduism has a belief in a Creator God - remember "Brahma" ?
Brahama "is" the Creator God of Hinduism. And belief in a creator god constitutes Hinduism as being a religion. There are other gods, within Hinduism, but Hinduism's belief in Brahma, as thier creator god, makes Hinduism a religion.
Buddhism, over a period of many years, has been considered a religion, but in all actuality, it is not - for it has no belief in a Creator god.
I understand Buddhism is a peaceful philosophy of life, based on the Middle Way teachings of Siddhartha Gautama.
Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism are all "religions" for they have a creator god.
*It is great to learn from one another, while respecting each other beliefs and/or opinions.
This lays the foundation for excellent communication skills. Thanks.
Having the title/label of a religion is something that many people choose not to place upon themselves.
The 14th Dalai Lama, as everybody knows is Mahayana Buddhist; but when addressed what is your religion, he does not say Buddhist, he says my religion is the Way of Compassion, Loving-kindness, Patience, Tolerance and Peace. He has won the Noble Peace Prize.
"Probably some of the top leaders of Hinduism/Hindutva have the same philosophy, reasoning - not to place a name/a label upon their way of life, for many people do not understand what this way of life 'really' means or what it 'really' represents. Or Probably many people have misrepresented their way of life(religion, god, or philosophy of life) incorrectly, giving that way of life a bad name.
IMPORTANT:
*I do agree with you that no one can be forced to convert to a religion. It is a choice. "I do also believe that every human being should 'respect' the Free Will of others, and not make attempts to force their religion or their way of life upon another, {as people often do in the United States), even if they fear the person will go to a hell-fire place for all eternity, if they do not accept they're way/or religion, as how many religions teach. Respecting another's Free Will is very important." You probably agree with that.
Thanks for Your Question(s). Have a Great Week/weekend.
2007-02-20 07:27:23 · answer #4 · answered by Thomas 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many of the things said in question refelct the lack of proper understanding about the Indian/Hindu culture and its survival during Muslim geneocides and British oppression and current facts!!
Just think, if hinduism with 800 million people attack the other religions in the name of conversion, who is going to lose?
Ans: minorities
There is a church and mosque in every corner of a street in India but I am told that application for our hindu temple in our city in U.S. has been turned down three times so far.
Dear Demonous:
In my neighbohood(in U.S.) I see two christian churches one is completely filled with African Americans and the other with Whites?where is the so called "equality"?
2007-02-20 06:18:53 · answer #5 · answered by anser_quest 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Religion is so much more solid in other cultures, Having a minority religion in spiritual cultures like this is like commiting rape of murder in richer contries.
Also lack of education and narrow mindedness adds to this factor.
Which compliments the fact that the richer countries can afford better education and justice systems.
2007-02-20 02:14:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because India has that Caste system, where mostly dark skinned Indians are untouchables in the Hindu religion, They are treated like 2nd class citizens, Many try to convert to Christianity because all Christians are treated as equals.
2007-02-20 02:13:13 · answer #7 · answered by Samantha 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Because they want to stock-pile all their Beef for the time of a world famine
2007-02-23 06:54:01 · answer #8 · answered by jeremiah15nineteen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not, people are converting to Buddhism almost every day.
_()_
2007-02-20 02:14:36 · answer #9 · answered by vinslave 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The reason for the ban is to try to stop people getting out of the caste they were born into.
2007-02-20 02:11:42 · answer #10 · answered by gav 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋