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Transcript

The Road to Religious Inclusivity

Introduction

Throughout a world with many different cultures, religion proves to be even more important everyday. Humans are full of wonder and everyone desires to find answers. With these answers as a main priority in one’s life, individuals resort to their religions to hold the truth. Religions are followed due to wonder, fear, identity, and ethics. Religion is essentially a guide on how to live life. With many different thoughts and beliefs comes many different opinions.

Dialogue Between Religions

It is important to remember that though individuals may have different views, it is imperative that respect is the utmost priority between individuals. Within every religion there are certain values that are promoted, and are necessary to follow to ensure peace is maintained between religions.

Conduct Between Individuals

Conduct Between Religion

Some virtues include empathy, kindness, respect, patience, and compassion. No matter an individual's religion, if every individual follows the code of ethics intertwined within their religion, the world will be a happier and safer place.

Creed of a Religion

Creed

The creed of a religion is its fundamental beliefs. These are the parts of a religion that are unnegotiable, for if they are challenged then the whole religion is destined to fail.

Hinduism Creed

Hinduism

Hinduism throughout its whole scope celebrates and worships many gods. Many individuals regard Hinduism as a polytheistic religion as there are over 300 million gods that are worshiped by its followers. Yet some critics argue that though there are many gods that the religion is monotheistic due to Brahman being the only universal spirit. Therefore, Hinduism is widely known as monistic, meaning there are many gods but they are all united.

Hindu Gods

Brahman is the universal spirit of the universe and the ultimate god who is in control of everything. Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma make up the trimurti. These gods control the majority of the world and are widely worshiped by Hindu followers. These are the main gods. There are over 300 million more, but followers generally pray to select gods that they feel they connect with.

Cycle of Life

It is also believed that the cycle of samsara dictates a Hindu’s life with the hope of Moksha. A Hindu’s life is driven by doing good deeds, fulfilling their dharma, in anticipation of good karma. If Hindu’s constantly fulfill their dharma, their atman will eventually accomplish Moksha. Moksha is the release from the cycle of Samsara and the place individuals go once they complete their time on earth.

Islam Creed

Islam

Throughout the history of Islam, Muhammad (PBUH) the final messenger of God, had many opportunities to turn to polytheism, yet was certain that there was only one God, Allah. The foundation of Islamic beliefs revolve around monotheistic Allah. Though there is only one God practiced in Islam, there are angels and prophets that bring God's word to man. These individuals are not recognized as a god, for they are simply messengers. In fact, it is not permitted and actually a sin to state the existence of multiple gods, according to the Qu’ran.

The Five Pillars of Islam

Pillars

Islam has five fundamental beliefs that make up the entirety of the religion. The five pillars of Islam are the roots of the religion. The first pillar, Shahadah, is the declaration of faith which states, “There is no god but Allah. And Muhammad (PBUH) is His messenger”. In order to be considered Muslim, individuals must believe the Shahadah with the entirety of their heart. The second pillar is Salat, which is the five daily prayers a muslim must say. Through Muhammad’s (PBUH) communication with Allah it was originally said that Muslims must say fifty prayers a day, yet that number was negotiated to five. When Muslims fulfill their Salat each day they are rewarded the same reward as if they were to say fifty prayers.

The Five Pillars of Islam Cont'd

Pillars Cont'd

The third pillar is Zakat which is a mandatory monetary donation Muslims must make. Each year it is their responsibility to donate 2.5% of their annual income to the poor. The fourth pillar, Sawm, is when Muslim’s fast during Ramadan. The idea of fasting dates back to the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) when he fasted for Allah. The fifth and final pillar is Hajj which is the belief that every Muslim must venture on a pilgrimage to Mecca (a holy site for Muslims) at least once in their life. If these pillars are believed in and followed by Muslims, they are almost guaranteed to ascend to Heaven after they die.

Similarities Between Religions

Similarities

Both religions celebrate and believe in a God, for both have a God that is the most highly recognized and praised. Each religion has ways on how they want their followers to live, for these rules are outlined in their core beliefs. Hindu’s follow the cycle of samsara, encouraging goodness, and Muslims follow the five pillars which is the foundation of the religion.

Code of a Religion

Code

The code of a religion are the laws individuals follow. In order to follow that faith, one must abide by the code.

Hinduism

Hindu’s rely on special scriptures and select teachings to guide them throughout their lives. Hindu’s have many sacred texts, some written by gods, and others written by Guru’s. Hindu scriptures include the Vedas, Upanishads, Laws of Manu, Ramayana, and Mahabharata. The Vedas are the oldest Hindu scriptures and they are very authoritative. There are many hymns located within this scripture that must be memorized and passed down from teachers to students. Hindu’s learn their primary teachings and develop into better individuals.

Holy Scriptures Cont'd

The Upanishads are written interpretations of the Vedas in which Hindu’s use to interpret the Vedas. The Laws of Manu are ways Hindu are destined to live their lives, for they are the rules. The Ramayana is the story of Prince Rama. It promotes good over evil and celebrates the good sides win. Lastly, the mahabharata is the largest poem in the world and talks about the battle of the Pandavas (good) and the Kauravas (evil) with the Pandavas winning. These sacred texts are followed by Hindus all around the world and they teach Hindus moral values, and the best way to live life. Hinduism contains many different scriptures which all share the same values and teachings.

Judaism

Jews follow many scriptures and have many interpretations of their sacred text, the Torah. This is where the five holy books lie and hold the entire belief system of the Jewish faith. It contains the laws of Moses. The Mishnah is a written interpretation of the Torah according to early rabinic teachings. Rabbi’s use their interpretation of the Torah to spread the word of YHWH in a way most individuals will be able to comprehend. The Talmud is a written interpretation of the Midrash according to modern day Rabbis. In other words, the Talmud is a paraphrased version of the Gospel. Lastly, the Midrash is an interpretation of the Bible which pushes the message of kindness onto the people.

Similarities

Though Jew’s believe in a monotheistic God and Hindu’s believe in a polytheistic God, both religions have scriptures in which they preach the moral values followers are expected to maintain.

They both have varieties of scriptures and some of which are interpretations from teachers who are able to connect with individuals better as they are humans.

Cult of a Religion

Cult

The cult of a religion are the rituals and celebrations that take place. Families can celebrate with others and join in on rituals. It is a way to bring individuals of similar beliefs together.

Sacred Thread Ceremony

Hinduism

One big ritual in Hinduism is when the sacred thread ceremony (upanayana) occurs. This ceremony is designated for boys between the ages of 8 and 11. This ceremony is the start of manhood for the boy, for he is officially recognised as a member of society. Throughout the ceremony, boys wear a thread over their left shoulder and under their right arm. Normally the thread is worn for the rest of a boy's life.

Thread Composition

The thread is made of three strands and represents three things: Brahman, parents, and teachers. Brahman is acknowledged for creating the world and taking care of his needs. His parents are recognized for creating him, birthing him and introducing him to the Hindu religion. The last thread is designated for his teachers for teaching him about his religion and sharing the good word of Brahman.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Judaism

Jews have a similar but different ritual to celebrate the coming of age. Young Jews have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah to celebrate their coming of age. At the age of about 13, a boy has his Bar Mitzvah, meaning ‘son of the commandment’. The young boy is considered to be an adult in the Jewish community. He must study his religion before the Bar Mitzvah as he is responsible for leading parts of the prayer.

Cont'd

Additionally, there is an alternative ceremony for girls that is referred to as a Bat Mitzvah, meaning ‘daughter of the commandment’ where the young girl is officially recognized as a member of the Jewish community. For the young girl however, she has her ceremony at the age of 12. Both ceremonies have large after parties and families are united.

Similarities

Both represent coming of age within the religion and are an opportunity for family to come together. Both religions have a coming of age for boys, but only Jews have a ceremony for girls. Additionally, both religions have a way of bringing individuals together to celebrate the younger individuals within their community.

Community of a Religion

Community

The community of a religion are the different groups and sects that make up the religion.

The Caste System

Hinduism

Within the Hindu religion, followers are sorted into castes which divide them according to their closeness to achieving Moksha. The caste system is the community aspect of the religion and groups similar individuals together. Brahmins are the highest caste, they perform rituals and sacrifices, research and teachings, and are known as priests, and religious teachers. These individuals are the closest to achieving Moksha and are the closest to Brahman. Kshatriyas are the second highest caste with a role in the government, law and order, or army defense soldiers, and are also known as warriors, and rulers. These individuals are the warriors and are close to God.

Caste System Cont'd

Cont'd

Next are the Vaishyas who are the third highest group in the caste system. They manage wealth, trade and commerce, and they are merchants and farmers. Shudras are the lowest group in the caster system who give services to other castes, also known as servants or labourers. Untouchables, also known as Harijans by Mahatma Gandhi, though not a part of the caste system, are the lowest possible ranking of an individual. These individuals perform the undesirable jobs and the ones that are deemed to be unclean.

Sunnis and Shi'as

Islam

Sunnis and Shi'as are two sects of the Islam belief system. Sunnis believe that Abu Baker, Muhammads best friend is the rightful King, yet Shi'as believe that Ali, Muhammad’s son-in-law is the rightful king. These groups believe in the same fundamental values and the same religion, but believe in some different aspects regarding who the rightful king is. Sunnis make up the majority of the population, whereas Shi'as are a small minority.

Similarities

These groups collect those with similar beliefs to each other but they also isolate those who are a part of the same religion. These divisions have become so great that these groups are constantly in conflict. They are rivals and some cannot stand each other. In fact, the conflict between Hindus in different castes has grown so much that the government has had to take action to protect individuals. Each group in both religions have the same goal. For Hindu’s it is achieving Moksha, and for Muslims it is going to heaven. Both have a group with a group majority, those in the lower castes and Sunnis.

Conclusion

Throughout the world, though everyone is different we are all the same in the eyes of God and are all on the same earth. If individuals preach kindness and live according to beneficial values, the world is bound the improve and become more inclusive.

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