Why Christians and Jews are hesitant to accept any change in their set belief on Indian spirituallism?

Question

That it could have influenced even their ancient Mosaic Laws through Essenes who were following the experimented spiritual practices that was prevailing in Egypt under influence from India.

Source: (1) Alfred Edersheim, in his nineteenth century classic: ' The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah'
(2) Alexandrian Jewish philosopher Philo.

Answer 1

Why are you so eager for someone to "accept any change in their set belief"? What's it to you?

The use of the phrase "accept any change" is irritatingly passive-aggressive. If you want to be a religious imperialist, just come out and say it: "mine came first, really it did, mine's the best." There aren't enough facts supporting what you are selling anyway; if someone digs your theory, it's for aesthetic reasons.

Julia D.: could you provide links / books for further reading? What you're talking about isn't mainstream stuff, either.

EDIT: So why is there no religiously ordained caste system within Judaism? If one faith "borrowed" from the other, either the caste system was thrown out by those who chose to follow the Mosaic Law, or (for Julia D.) added to Abraham's monotheism by the Brahmins.

Also, conceptions of the Trinity, which indeed vary, are not comparable with the zoo- / anthropo- morphic pantheon of innumerable deities in Hinduism. There's also no such thing in Judaism or Christianity as devoteeism to a particular aspect of the Divine, as manifested in Hindu practice to a particular god (Krishna, Kali).

Answer 2

It's the other way around. Hinduism was founded by the sons of Abraham by his second wife Keturah, who were sent East with gifts. Those gifts were the esoteric knowledge of the Torah. This is where the word "Brahmin" (from the word "Abraham") came from in the Hindu religion, meaning both the upper priestly caste in society and the ultimate Enlightenment according to Hinduism.

Since that time, Hinduism has changed quite a lot, but is still recognisable as having its foundations such as Reincarnation, Karma, etc. in Judaism. Judaism doesn't have heaven and hell nor an eternal burning pit of hell like christanity does, we have always had reincarnation. However, like Christianity, Hinduism began with ONE God and divided it up into many "lesser" gods that it worships (like christianity does with god, jesus, holy spirit), yet any Hindu (like any christian) will tell you that these are merely aspects (or persons) contained within the ONE God.

Judaism and Christianity actually have almost nothing at all in common in their foundational doctrines. Judaism is a much more "Eastern" type religion. Most non-Jews don't know that because they've been taught by their churches that Judaism is the same as Christianity except for the Jesus thing. Nothing could be further from the truth, they are practically polar opposites.

So you've got it a bit backwards there. Yes, Judaism predates Hinduism, in case you were about to use that old inaccuracy that Hinduism predates Judaism. It doesn't.

Answer 3

This made no sense at all.

The Essenes were an extremist monastic society, dedicated to absolute perfectionism in recording, copying, and preserving God's revealed Word (what we call the Old Testament, and what the Jews call the Torah). There would have been NO religious hanky-panky in their group!

While there was an abundance of spiritual adultery throughout Isreal's history, the tendency to abandon the ancient faith in YHWH was effectively cured with the Bablyonian captivity. The cultural isolation did the trick: those who wanted to BE JEWS kept with the ancient faith, and put up with the isolation and occasional persecution. They returned to Isreal forever cured of idolatry.

So what are you talking about?

Answer 4

Major religions like Christianity,Judiasm, Islam and Indian Teachings all are layered and tiered. Its just most outer layer/tier followers are not aware of the deeper mysteries
of the Creator or the creation. It is becoming more obvious, that Jesus had many things to teach humanity that for some reason are just being discovered now in human history.

Just the basic teachings of Jesus day where astonishing even to those of his own general ethicity, it maybe the world at large , just was not yet ready for many of the things Jesus knew during his ministry here on Earth.

Even Quantum Mechanic papers dated 1926 by Albert Einstien where just freshly discovered a couple of years ago.

Answer 5

We (Christians), do not except other beliefs because it is our belief that not all roads lead to God. They may lead to a god but not the 1 and Only. I personally feel that Indians and their spiritualism is wrong. I don't think it influenced anything I believe in. I base my beliefs solely on what it written in the Bible. I feel in my heart that is was written through man by the Holy Spirit. I will not ever believe that I should pray to some brass statue of a lady with 6 arms. Or some type of weird elephant. I know in my heart of hearts that whatever it is they believe in spiritual or not, is WRONG!

Answer 6

Every race and faith has, over the years taken care to build an independent base and line of growth for its history to assert its individuality in the world as a distinct civilization. The answers given reflect each ones pride of belonging to a distinct faith and civilization. So, any change prompted by any physical archaeological evidence could also be interpreted in a distorted manner even at the cost of disparaging Truth.

Indian spiritualism and its distinction is not dependent on any ones acceptance or otherwise. Nor the Indologists are attempting any 'cultural imperialism' as apprehended by one of the participants above.

Answer to your question is perhaps clear that there is evident hesitation as alleged by you, but with regard to reference to Egypt and Jews vis-a-vis Indian ancient culture, one can not come to a definite conclusion with out further research. This is my humble submission in this regard.

However, it is an interesting question that has sparked so much of controversy!

Answer 7

It is not easy to accept changes because the mind is conditioned by set beliefs. But there is a difference in Faith and Belief. The latter is ought to be guided by reasoning rather than passion and emotion. Eternity has explained it better.

Answer 8

Julia D has come out with ridiculous material which was never heard of. She is requested to quote source as Pnky - Math has quoted sources perhaps on demand by the participants.

Answer 9

I've never heard this, so even if I was christian or jewish how could I be accused of hesitating to accept something that I've never even heard of?

This alleged story of yours is not 'common knowledge', so it would be nice if you posted your source for something like this.

Answer 10

Egypt was never under any influence from India.