Religious Beliefs In India Essay

Religious Beliefs in India Essay
When people list driving forces of society in different countries, the answers vary from government to economics and to education, among a vast list of
other possibilities. In the case of the South Asian state of India, religion is one of the primary foundations for both their past social systems and current
institutions and it is recognized as a predominately religious region. Though the country is constitutionally secular, religion plays one of the largest roles
in society. The numerous theologies represented inIndia dictate the content of legislature, the status of citizens within the caste system, and even
intellectual attainment. India is a religious hotbed. Several faiths are represented throughout India's history and current...show more content...
The constitution's definition of secularism merely demands that all religions are recognized as equal, instead of separating state and social affairs from
spiritual influence (Mahmood, 2006). The constitution also focuses significantly on the issue of religious discrimination. There are several provisions
included, such as making it illegal to treat someone as an unequal on grounds such as religion, or be hindered in public, social, or professional
environments. Religious buildings and properties are also protected by the constitution, meaning no sacred institution can be under political or social
attack. Though India has an extensive constitution covering different aspects of law and society, the country upholds a system in which people can
adhere to the official secular bylaws of the country or choose their religious community's codified personal laws. Laws can be passed that are applicable
to a specific devout community, such as the Christian Marriage Act in the late nineteenth century, or the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act of the
mid–twentieth century (Mahmood, 2006). This allows for all belief systems to be supported and included in government.
The largest social influence religion has over Indian society comes in the form of Hindu's caste system, which is a concept commonly associated with
the country itself. The caste is a social system composed of multiple castes and sub–castes
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The Functionalism: The Tolerance Of Religion
Regarding the functionalist view, according to Parrillo (2014), "Emile Durkheim identified religion as an integrative bond for society, a theme
elaborated on by modern functionalists" (p. 423). Using religious bonds, the societies identity and resolve could be strengthened (Parrillo, 2014, p.
401). Regarding the conflict view, several theorists concluded that mechanisms of social control could be used to protect the power of those in
interest (Parrillo, 2014, p. 424). Resources of political and economic competition support the argument of peaceful or violent religious confrontation
(Parrillo, 2014, p. 424). According to Parrillo (2014), "appearance is a key element in perceptions of different religions", (p. 424). Some religions have
embraced...show more content...
115). Parrillo (2014) states that immigrant would leave their homeland to seek a better life, but they would bring over their own religious prejudices,
but still became intolerant of those who had different beliefs (p. 115). According to Parrillo (2014), "Becausereligion often is closely intertwined with
ethnicity, current migration patterns offer clues about religion preferences of future Americans" (p. 526). With people of varying degrees of faith
joining together and non–religious people are increasing, the religions immigrants have will vary and can be unpredictable (Parrillo, 2014, p.

The Pros And Cons Of Religious Toleration
After the Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century, many European states struggled to decide what they would do with the diverse religious
cultures of their peoples. Some sided with religious toleration, making their decision based on righteous ideals or the concept of tranquility within their
nation. Others, however, saw religious liberty as a gateway to distress and harmful to the unification of their respective state. Even then, other European
nations, remained neutral, accepting other religions only out of compromise. By the eighteenth century, these precepts on religious toleration became
solidified, making freedom of religion a right rather than a preference of nobility.
Furthermore, many of the European states promoted toleration to benefit not only the spiritual beliefs of man, but also to unite and preserve peace
within said nations. This concept is seen in Document 5 as Henry IV of France, who has just regained footing after the Thirty Years War, declares the
Edict of Nantes, which allows Protestantism or the "Reformed religion" to coexist with Catholicism. In this document the author believes this
declaration is pertinent to maintaining peace and to eliminating any trouble between diverse civilians. This idea was further presented by author
Voltaire (Document 11) who through his work, Letters Concerning the English Nation, similarly understood that a multitude of religions would create
peace whereas one religion would allow the government to become

Religious tolerance in the 16th and 17th century Europe between Catholicism and
Protestantism and other religion had change for many Nation.The violence between Religions
had died down with country letting protestants practice their religion but with slight restriction.
However many didn't see eye to eye with letting people of other religions have religious freedom
believing their religion was the only true faith.Some country like france which was a divout
catholic nation had a hard time accepting people of other fatih

Religious Intolerance
Religious intolerance
1. Introduction notes
"Religion is like a pair of shoes.....Find one that fits for you, but don 't make me wear your shoes." George Carlin
2. Definition of tolerance:
1. The capacity for or the practice of recognizing and respecting the beliefs or practices of others.
2. The ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behaviour that one dislikes or disagrees with.
3. Definition of tolerance according to the 19th century British historian Arnold Toynbee: for a religious establishment to persecute anotherreligion for
being "wrong" ironically puts the persecuting religion in the wrong, undermining its own legitimacy.
"A person born in Egypt or Pakistan is very likely to be a Muslim; one...show more content...
And he also said: Whoever has killed a person having a treaty with the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise, though its fragrance is found
for a span of forty years.
d. The Prophet was asked, "Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?" He said: There is a reward for kindness to every living
animal or human.
e. We can witness that the Prophet, peace be upon him, saw a funeral procession pass by. He stood for it. When he was told that it was the funeral of
a Jew, he replied: Was he not a soul?
7. What does Islam say about if how to treat people
a. Killing women, children, old people, or any civilian even in war is prohibited in Islam.
b. Respect other religions:
"There is no compulsion in religion..."
(Qura'an, Chapter 2, Verse 256) "

If God had willed, He would have made you all in one nation and one religion), but that He (God) left you in different religions to compete in good
deeds and society benefits. The return of all of you is to God; then He (God) will inform you about that in which you differ"
(Quran, Chapter 5, Verse48)
c. Be honest.
8. Islamic tolerance towards other religions
"And do not abuse those whom they call upon besides Allah, lest exceeding the limits they should abuse Allah out of ignorance. Thus have We made
fair seeming to every people their deeds; then to their Lord shall be their return, so He will inform them of what they

The Issue And Religious Conflicts Of India Essay
India is one of the countries which have the most multifaceted religion condition. Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism and Christianity– almost all
major religions of the world can be seen in India. All these religion sects have many believers here, and they cannot but live together to share the same
developing process and move further together with their country, experiencing both prosperity and instability. InIndia, there are not only a wide range
of religions; the differences between these sects are also massive. After the foundation of the Congress government, India established the principle of
secularism, but in the actual implementation of the principle there is a big lack from the theoretical principle, and the government performs the
secularism far from sufficiently. Sectarian forces have gradually extend to economic and political field, sectarian doctrine get more and more close to
politics, and began to intervene political development. To study about the issue and religious conflicts in India is advantageous for understanding all
aspects of Indian: society, politics, economy, culture, religion, etc. and, also would help to establish peace and stability throughout India.
Meaning of Sectarianism
Sectarianism is a word that describes something having to do with smaller groups or sects. Sectarian violence, for example would describe violence
that has erupted between conflicting groups or sects. Sectarian, as noun, is a member of a group with a particular set of

FWIS 104
Christian and Muslim Religious Tolerance
It is ironic that while they are based on similar scriptures, and therefore similar ideologies, Christianity and Islam have had divergent attitudes towards
the acceptance of religious minorities. By its nature, the Christian faith antagonizes other religions, including Judaism and Islam, because, according to
Christian scripture, a lack of belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ results in damnation. The Muslim faith, however, has a much more tolerant view on
"People of the Book," including Christians and Jews, since such tolerance is stipulated by Islamic scripture. Subsequent treatment (as opposed to
acceptance) of religious minorities, however, was similar between followers of the two...show more content...
These taxes also served as an economic incentive for religious coexistence and toleration. In the dhimmi system (which was in itself Islamic law that
extended rights and protections to religious minorities "of the book") it is stated that "[the People of the Book] must be shown gentleness (page 4)"
as long as they have paid their tax in full. In the conquest treaty, the People of the Book are even guaranteed religious freedom under the condition
they pay the jizya. It states, "Their churches shall neither be used as dwellings nor destroyed... No constraint shall be exercised against them in religion
nor shall any harm be done to any of them." The restrictions against non–Muslims were typically mild. In the Shurut 'Umar, Christians were restricted
from teaching or publicly expressing their religion. Other secular restrictions (as opposed to restrictions on religious freedom expression) include "not
seek[ing] to resemble the Muslims by imitating any of their garments (page 13)" and "not sell[ing] fermented drinks," both much milder alternatives to
religious violence. Likewise, there have been instances of Christians encouraging peace towards religious minorities. For example, Saint Augustine
cites a verse from Psalm 59 as his main inspiration for relative tolerance: "He is my God.

Religious Intolerance Under The Mongols
As shown throughout the course of history, the empires of rulers who embraced the concept of religious tolerance almost always experience a
prolonged period of peace and growth. The Ottoman Empire under the leadership of Osman advocates for a policy of religious tolerance and
benefits from a period of rapid territorial growth and a highly disciplined military comprised of cavalry and janissaries (#). The Yuan Empire under
the Mongols is well known for exemplifying a high religious tolerance towards its diverse populations ranging throughout most of Asia and into
Eastern Europe (#). The Chinese from the late Ming Dynasty are introduced to the latest European science and technology through various cultural
exchanges with Christian missionaries that are made possible because of the religious tolerance policy (@). As shown above, religious toleration
fosters cultural exchange of trading goods, ideologies, and science technologies. It also allows for the diversification of religion as a source of
accommodation for the heterogeneous populations within an empire. Forced religious unity not only introduces chaos, such as religious persecutions,
to an empire, but also placing it at risk for economic and political stagnancy. Shah Ismail of the Safavid Empire best represents the epitome of religious
intolerance. With Shi'ism as the only accepted form of Islam, other forms of Islam such as Sunnism and even deviant Shi'ism are heavily suppressed.
The Shi'ites Safavids launches a series

Religious Tolerance
I am tolerant, you are permissive, I have reasonable scruples, and you are a conservative. (Author Unknown)
Does this sound like the thoughts of most of us? Many people think that they have to understand and accept the religious beliefs of others in order to
get along with them. Respecting someone's choice to practice their religion does not mean that you must believe the same as they do. In today's
society, we are faced daily with choices on whether or not to tolerate the practices and actions of people around us. More times than not, people ignore
actions of those around them when their actions do not affect them personally. If a person dresses in an offensive style or uses inappropriate conduct in
the presence of others, more...show more content...
Students claim that their beliefs are openly mocked in college classrooms around the country and the professors do not encourage the same respect
be shown for their religion as every other belief system discussed in class." When religious leaders insist that public schools perform plays, such as
the Nativity, in the name of religious tolerance it should be examined to determine if it is a self serving request. Would they also demand that the
Battles of Krishna be re–enacted? All children should be taught of other religions and to learn the history of other religions, but not be required to act
out specifics from a particular religion. We may wish that state schools embraced our religious beliefs, but must recognize that secularism in education
is the beginning of religious tolerance, not the suppression of it. The state system must use its non–denominational status to educate children in all the
major faiths, but that is where it must stop.
What can we do about it? "Every hour a hate crime is committed and half are

Religious Developments With the coming of the Mughals in India and the Turkish rule, there were many developments and changes in the Indian
culture and religion.The Sultans of Delhi and Mughal tolerated different religions, especially Hinduism, though they were followers of Islam. This lead
to the beggining of indo–islamic culture.
Since dawn of history, India has been the cradle of religious developments. In the early medival period, two parrelel movements in Hinduism and Islam
representing the Bhakti and Sufi movements emerged in India.
The Indo–Islamic strands have been woven into the texture of India by intertwining Bhakti and Sufi traditions.
Bhakti movement
The Bhakti movement is a Hindu religious movement in which the main...show more content...
He married the daughter of a Saintly person. Later at the age of 24, he renounced the worldly life and became a sanyasin. His followers regarded
him as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He helped the old and the needy. He was opposed to the inequalities of the caste system. He emphasised the
need for tolerance, humanity and love. He spread the message of Bhakti in Bengal. He popularised 'Sankritan'or public singing of God's name. He was
addressed `Mahaprabhu' by his followers.
Meera Bai : Meerabai was a Rajput princess. She married the Rana of Mewar. She was a pious devotee of Lord Krishna. Her songs or hymns are even
today sung all over India. Her palace was kept open to people of all castes to join her Bhajans of Lord Krishna. She had lived for the most part of her
life in Mathura, the birth place of Krishna and Vrindaban. There is a temple dedicated to Meerabai in Chittor, the capital of Mewar. Sufi movement
Sufism was a reform movement within Islam which applies greater stress on free thinking, liberal ideas and toleration. The Sufis believed in the
equality of all human beings and brotherhood mankind. The Sufi movement started in Persia. Some of the Sufi saints also came to India. They began
to preach their liberal ideas and to remove the gulf between the Hindus and the Muslims and join them together.
The word Sufi has been taken from the Arabic word 'Suf' which means wool. The movement may have been given the

Impacts of Family Traditions and Religion in India
Family traditions and religion greatly impact the lives of many people in India. These elements of culture are reasons that form the way that Indians
lead their lives. Both factors make up what type of person that individual will become. That is the reason why religion and family traditions are so
valued in Indian society.
Religion is probably the most definitive factor in the way that an Indian will lead his life, particularly if they practice Hinduism. In Hinduism this
person must follow a strict set of rules called Dharma. These rules state how this person shall lead his life. They state that each person must follow
their Dharma at all costs. For example if their Dharma tells them to...show more content...
This caste system also allows patriarchal rule, which greatly limits the roles of women in, the Indian society.
This patriarchal role of males in the Indian family allows for all the power to be placed on the father of the household. This power can be abused
which I would assume happens with the children in these families. The oldest male child has the authority to boss around his other siblings, and in
the death of his father he then becomes the leader of the household. This could lead to many harsh or unfair ruling by older siblings or by other
members of society. This would lead for the younger sibling to have to adjust greatly as they grow into adulthood. These rules that govern Indian
household are often strict and are always final. This is accepted by all.
Another deciding factor in what shapes the lives of Indians are the strict rules of their religions such as not crossing water or eating beef. Also not
cutting their hair is another religious rule that must be followed for Sikhs. These rules can limit ones personal freedom or civil rights as in the case for
women.
The effects of Hinduism that effect society are very clear to Indians. One good example of this is that many Hindus go hungry everyday but yet the let
cows roam. This seems awkward to me because I am and outsider but to Indians this is and unchangeable law that must never be broken. There are
other more subtle things that

The Importance of Religion in Indian Politics
India is the largest democratic country in the world, in the last fifty years it has travelled and been influenced by multiple social and economic changes.
Its independence from Britain in 1947, the partition creating Pakistan and the Pakistan/ Indian debate over Kashmir have been fundamental political
movements within these years. As Y.B.Damle states, "
Politics is concerned with goal–attainment and politics is the art of possibility", the political
process cannot function without structural features. As a country with multiple religions, a secular state, the political process has been moulded around
not only ethnicity and caste but religion has...show more content...
A partition based on religion as the congress would not allow Muslims to sit before 1947. Now, governed by Hindu nationalists religious nationalism
affects the secular state, a state that cannot foreseeably be secular when it encompasses such a majority of Hindus.
Hindu's believe in Dharma, that in accordance to the sacred Hindu text, every person has their own path to follow and it is better to do their own duty
badly than another's well. (Hardgrave ch.1) Only by fulfilling their own predestined duties can they expect a 'more favourable rebirth and ultimate
salvation'. Therefore for a Hindu a true democratic state should be against their religion, as it involves meddling in others affairs. Along with this
Hinduism divides and distances the sub–continent. Each Hindu linguistic area have their own traditions, way about their different lives and their own
God's. with an existence without unification how can India politically aspire to social change and reform? As Gunnar Myrdal states, "Religion has,
then, become the emotional container of this whole way of life and work and by its sanction has rendered it rigid and resistant to change." (Hardgrave
ch.1)
Post partition the general consensus was that India should be a democratic state, important political groups believed individuals had the right to their

John Locke 's Theory Of Religious Tolerance
John Locke, a 17th century English philosopher is remembered for his great contributions to three issues that was important during his time and still
concerns us today. The three topics Locke covered during his lifetime was how to handle people with different religion, determining who should rule,
and how to educate our children. Locke developed theories from the three topics because they played a central role in his life. Religion politics and
education influence Locke 's writing and because of his writing we have a foundation of modern philosophical empiricism and political liberalism.
Locke was born during the 20–year English Civil War. Due to the result in the death of Charles I, England reinvented themselves so that the church
and the state will be combined. Locke did not agree that the government should rule over religion. He believed in freedom of belief. His theories of
religious tolerance was written in Letters Concerning Toleration (1689–92) due to the aftermath of the European wars of religion, creating reasoning
for religious tolerance. Three main arguments that was stated included (1) Earthly judges, the state in particular, and human beings generally, cannot
dependably evaluate the truth–claims of competing religious standpoints. (2) Even if they could, enforcing a single 'True Religion' will not work,
because you can 't be compelled in to believe through violence. (3) Coercing religious uniformity leads to far more social disorder than allowing
diversity.

Religious tolerance denotes to abstain from discriminating against others who follow a different religious path. Tolerance is more arduous to maintain
when you know that your religion is true and their religion is erroneous. Religious tolerance is not religious nonchalance. It consists of valuing the right
of another person to hold beliefs that you know, absolutely, and without a doubt, to be erroneous. The individual believer has often been the target of
oppression for thinking or speaking unorthodox thoughts, for assembling with and recruiting others, and for transmuting their religious affiliation.
Typically, the aggressors have been large religious groups and governments.
Saudi and Freedom of religion
Saudi Arabia is an Islamic kingdom without legal defense for freedom of religion, in addition to such protection does not continue living in practice.
Islam is the authorized religion, and all populace are Muslims. On its basis interpretation of the hadith, otherwise sayings of the Prophet Muhammad,
the rule prohibits the public put into practice of non–Muslim religions. The Government is familiar with the right of non–Muslims to worship in
confidential; though, the difference between public in addition to private worship is not clearly distinct, and at times the Government does not
deference in practice the right to private adoration. Under Saudi Arabia 's interpretation of the religion of Islam it is considered a violation of God 's
will for unrelated men and women

Religion in India Essay
Religion in India
What is religion? Religion has always played an important role in man's existence. It is hard to define religion because every person has, his or her
own way of defining religion. For some of us it might be a way of life, which determines what they ear, who their friends are, and it also makes up
what culture they follow from day to day. For others, religion simply means going to church or temple and seeing religious festivals. India is the land
of culture. This country is very rich of culture and religion, and this is the backbone of the social structure. India's fight for religion has been going on
for decades, from the mogul empire to the British and now to the present day with Pakistan. In this day and age,...show more content...
In Brahma there is no sense of individuality, but only pure being, consciousness, and bliss. Sacrifices are also a big part of Hinduism. And it is
practiced religiously in India. The most common type of sacrifices comes with plant life and the melting of butter. Although animals are also
sacrifices, but this is doe very rarely, because such as the cow and the monkey are closely knit with the religion. Worship or also known as "puja"
in India is done by prayer which includes singing and dancing to the gods. Worship was termed as praying to several different gods, but only two
gods are looked at as dominant figures such as Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva. There are a lot of places that show the cultural practices of Hinduism, but
the most important place is the Temples. Temples, which are built from solid rock, and are covered with hand carved artwork that define the Indian
religion. A lot of them tell a story of an event that took place during the time when it was built. Most temples are covered with the images of the gods
they were built for. Although Hinduism has a vast array of gods and cultures, most of them practice Hinduism the same way.
"Buddhism has been known to its followers as both a teaching and a way of deliverance." It is questioned as to weather or not Buddhism is a religion.
But instead people look at Buddhism as a type of discipline. Gautama Buddha founded Buddhism, which was a

Religious Intolerance And The Religion Essay
Almost all organized religions, (related to thinking about how people think) systems, and (not part of the church) systems of sense of right and
wrong include such an ethic. It is normally meant to apply to the whole human race. (what a shame), it is too often given by some people only to
believers in the same religion or even to others in the same (religious group/category of paper money), of the same (male/female status), the same
sexual (inborn pattern of romantic and sexual interest and identity), etc. religious intolerance is defined as any action or call for action which badly
mistreats or unfairly treats people on the ground of their (related to religion or the soul) faith. The important word here is natural process. The Bible
contains many references to religious intolerance in passages that (help increase/show in a good way) bad mistreatment, mass murder and mass murder
against people of other religions.
The fruits of religious freedom depend on the constant hard work of communities in kind and giving/taking good care of kindness, respect and
back–and–forth exchange the two–way street of (kindness that helps others). Sustaining religious freedom is part of a just and free (community of
people/all good people in the world). This back and forth/equal between people (responsibility/duty) is founded on the built–in worth and value of each
person and the moral sense of right and wrong that guides human (service business/government unit/power/functioning). Going on

Religious Tolerance In The Roman Empire
Today, religious tolerance is seen more than before.п»їп»їп»їп»їп»їп»їп»їп»їп»ї Christians in the Roman Empire believed in their god, but the rulers
of Rome were consider the only gods. The rulers wanted everyone to believe that they were the only gods. This led to discriminations against
Christians. Today we have different religions, and people are tolerant of them.Christianity back then was hated until ruler named Constantine converted.

India, Religion, Culture, And Religions In India
Culture normally revolves around knowledge of a particular group of people while encompassing language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and
arts. India houses said people from several thousand ethnic groups, tribes, castes, and religions that provide a rich diversity of varying cultures. India's
history dates back several centuries and can even extend into millenniums. The vast differences in cultural diversity reflect much about India as a
country as well as the people who live there. India retains a plethora amount of religious, geographical, cultural, social, and military history that shapes
its inhabitants as well as various travelers around the globe.
Religion has been an important part of the country's culture and formation as people who settled there have discovered various practices that became
renowned today. India established four major religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. However, Islam remains prevalent in
India since it is currently the second largest religion in the world. The most dominant religion of India is Hinduism, which to this day is the oldest
religion in the world. Roughly, 84 per cent of India's population (total population: ~1.267 billion people) is devoted to Hinduism. India has a known
history of religious violence against Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians due to a large number of riots stemming from as far back as 1832. One of
the largest riots that occurred caused over 8000 deaths and an unknown

Tolerance Towards Others
Tolerance, as defined in the dictionary, is a fair and permissive attitude toward those who race, religion, nationality, etcetera, differs from one's own. In
today's society we misuse the word tolerance. In such examples as, I am very tolerable of so–and–so. So to emphasize the true meaning of tolerance,
society should look at the events that took place in history. There has been no tolerance in races, religions, and other characteristics of human nature.
In AD313 the Roman emperor Constantine the Great decreed toleration of Christianity. Twenty years later, Constantine the Great set the pattern of
religious censorship that was to be followed for centuries by ordering the burning of all books by the Greek theologian Arius. After the...show more
content...
Just then the guards let some white students through. The crowd was quiet. I guess they were waiting to see what was going to happen. When I
was able to steady my knees, I walked up to the guard who had let the white students in. He too didn't move. When I tried to squeeze past him, he
raised his bayonet and then the other guards moved in and they raised their bayonets. They glared at me with a mean look and I was very frightened
and didn't know what to do. I turned around and the crowd came toward me. They moved closer and closer. Somebody started yelling, 'Lynch her!
Lynch her!' I tried to see a friendly face somewhere in the mob – someone who maybe would help. I looked into the face of an old woman and it
seemed a kind face, but when I looked at her again, she spat on me. They came closer, shouting, 'No nigger bitch is going to get in our school. Get
out of here!' I turned back to the guards but their faces told me I wouldn't get any help from them. Then I looked down the block and saw a bench
at the bus stop. I thought, if I can only get there I will be safe.' I don't know why the bench seemed a safe place to me, but I started walking toward
it. I tried to close my mind to what they were shouting, and kept saying to myself, if I can only make it to the bench I will be safe. When I finally got
there, I don't think I could have gone another step. I sat down and the mob crowded up and began shouting all over again. Someone

Religious Beliefs In India Essay

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Religious Beliefs In India Essay