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I've been following a discussion about the definition of the term 'Pagan'
on another newsgroup. There is considerable disagreement among the
people who responded as to the status of Hindus. As far as I know I am
the only Hindu who has responded to the discussion so I am posting an
article here to obtain the opinions of other Hindus.
The most common definition of the term 'Pagan' is any religion other than
Judaism, Christianity, or Islam. This usually excludes Satanists as
well, since Satan is a Judeo-Christian concept. Paganism generally
refers to nature-based religions that acknowledge both Gods and
Goddesses, practice rites of passage, and ancestor reverence/worship.
Nature-based religions celebrate the moon cycles, equinoxes and
solstices, cycle of the years and have reverence and respect for the
Earth, plants, and animals. According to these defintions, in my
opinion, Hinduism is a Pagan religion.
I am interested in other opinions about Hinduism as a Pagan religion, how
you define the term 'Pagan', and if you believe any Pagan tradition still
exist in India.
The arguements I have received for Hinduism not being a Pagan religion
are:
1. Hinduism has more in common with Christianity than pre-Christian
European traditions (such as that of the Celtic people) or Native
American religion. Therefore Hinduism is not Pagan.
2. Hinduism is an Eastern Religion, and therefore not Pagan. I disagree
with this because it categorizes religion by geography not actual belief
and practice. It also allows people who live anywhere other than the
'East' (Africa, Europe, North & South America, etc.) to be Pagan by
virtue of the fact that they are not Judeo-Christian and not living in
the 'East'.
3. Hinduism is one of the 5 Great Religions of the World so it is not
Pagan. This argument is simply based on the number of followers a
religion has. It bothers me because Hinduism is one of the few
indigenous religions that was not totally destroyed by invading and
conquering Christians and Muslims. I think there would be several other
'Great Pagan' religions if people had not been forcibly converted in
large numbers.
Thanks in advance for any replys. Please also e-mail responses.
Om Shantih,
Radha
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