davidhendry

Could you explain, with some detail, your second sentence.


You may not have any close personal experience of catholics or, I daresay, anything outwith Hinduism. I do.

I guess the world outside of India must have been a very unhealthy place to live !!!! Do you really believe this kind of twaddle,or is it part of your defensive system.

Davie.

johnny five

What's not to understand?

Valid comparisons followed.

Muslim of course.


.

Bipat

Second sentence: generalisations about an entire nationality can they ever be in anyway accurate????

Not sure what you mean by "outwith" Do you mean 'outside' Hinduism? Hinduism originated the caste system.
Yes been a member of a very orthodox (non castist) Hindu family and large extended family for 45 years, majority not living in Goa but scattered over many states. Regardless of that individuals of the general community have often married 'out' including Christians and foreigners (me for one) and the occasional Muslim.

"Twaddle" you mean, not touching hands, that is what I have read about the origin of the practice. I imagine the world was an unhealthy place thousands years ago.

Digression: Actually OH still remembers plague in Karwar when a child, they all slept in tents in gardens while rat population eliminated from houses. It worked no plague since. Bet there was no hand touching then!!!

davidhendry

Don't know where I generalised about any nationality.I'm quite sure you know I should have written " outside." Not being English I'm sure I can be excused for being ignorant of the finer points.

I'm not quite sure what orthodox Hindu is. According to my reading, Hinduism is a way of life based on caste. Orthodox, means conforming with the established.

Davie.

Bipat

You didn't generalise, if you look back at my post, I said ("previous poster").

I was not sure about the "outside" as I am not "A Hindu" (I think you need to be born one), I thought you meant I did not know anything.

Hinduism yes is more a philosophy about way of life than a religion, and it entails far far more than the ancient, original division of society into work groups ie castes.
Also obviously evolved over the centuries.

By orthodox I meant following all the ceremonies, Pujas, events, self disciplines etc. etc. and etc. As much social as religious.

johnny five

Wrong, many people convert.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...ts_to_Hinduism

"Some hindus believe you have to be born into it, some do not, most believe in monkey gods, elephant gods and snake gods, so heaven knows who is right?


.

noni

When a catholic marries a Hindu (from my experience) the Hindu has to convert to the catholic church.

Why not the other way around?

Bipat

Matter of opinion regarding 'conversion' you can study, accept the philosophy etc. my own personal opinion a Hindu is born. I always think converts a little artificial, just my view.

Most do not believe in monkey gods etc. in the sense you mean. The word God is used more loosely in Hinduism, covers what Christians might call saints or mythological figures, Hindus also like visual 'icons'. The multiple so-called Gods represent facets of the one Deity eg. God creates, destroys, is good, bad etc. Much like God the Father, Son etc. Each of these is represented by a figure which is seen as holy, similar to the holiness of a cross.
Of course some people of a very simple faith think there are figures up in the sky on clouds much like angels and cherubs. Most are more sophisticated.
As I said previously Hinduism is primarily a philosophy, you can be an atheist or agnostic and still be a Hindu (I have such relatives).

Bipat

I think this is a Catholic thing Noni, even other Christians have to make certain promises regarding the children's religious upbringing if they marry a Catholic.
However you can be a Christian, nominal or otherwise; marry and study Hindu philosophy attend temple ceremonies, take part in Pujas do what you like or don't do what you don't like. Hindu things are often more social than religious. I have been enjoying or being bored mostly the former for a long time. (OH and I, had both ceremonies church and Hindu)

k800mer

I think it may be a matter of choice. I have several friends who converted to Catholicism as their Catholic partner felt very strongly about marrying in the Catholic church and it used to (and still may) be a requirement, they also had to agree to bring any children up as Catholics. I also have Catholic friends who married in a registry office despite their parents disapproval. I think you might find that those from a Catholic background who are not practising Catholics might well be willing to convert to Hindu

Bipat

K800, as I mentioned above you don't have to "convert" to Hinduism, you can be a both Christian and accept Hindu philosophy. There is no conflict.

Or the other way round. My relatives are always interested in Christian ideals etc. (Just don't mention Christian missionaries---no meeting of minds there!!!!!)
I have read that the famous Swami Vivekananda always carried a bible. Also Gandhi studied Christianity.

a_f_d

You can be a Hindu and accept Christian philosophy, but not the other way around, there most certainly is a conflict, graven images for starters!

AndyD

Bipat

Why not?? I can! and certainly many others do. As I said before, the images/ icons of the various characteristics of 'God' are only part of Hindu philosophy, you can be an atheist or agnostic, never go into a temple and still be a Hindu.
'Graven images'? centuries old representations of God as destroyer, creator etc. and thus seen as holy.
What is the difference from them and the 'cross', the statues of Mary, Jesus Joseph, Russian Orthodox icons etc.
Personally I am not religious in the sense of 'worshipping' but see the philosophy of both Christianity and Hinduism as compatible.

dreadsoc

Care to explain the apparent derrogatory remark aout Christian missionaries?
Some of us have our ancestry steeped in missionary work !
Take a look at the "Polynesian Apostle" John Williams...................who taught the Polynesians engineering skills and boat building which enriched their lives, and through his teachings virtually eradicated cannibalism throughout most islands in the South Seas......


Dread - x

Bipat

Not my derogatory remark Dread, but the opinion of relatives and many Indian people, haven't you been asked at immigration when travelling alone "are you a missionary"?
They have the impression that all missionaries are out to force/ buy people to convert to Christianity. I have argued against this (and you know I can argue!) with rels. and pointed out the charitable work of most missionaries, but no success the idea of forced conversion is fixed in their minds. It has to be remembered that many of my relative's ancestry is in Goa with Portuguese atrocities against Hindus.
I will 'look up' John Williams.