04-20-2007, 02:49 AM
I heard the argument that all Hindus are not tolerant many times. Of course, all Hindus are not perfect. I did not say all Christians or all Muslims are intolerant either. Right here on this blog we find Christians like Craig who say "A truly "Christian" nation will be a nation comprised of people of all faiths, of all ethnicities, and of all races, living amongst each other peacefully and actually cherishing the differences between all men."
That is not my point.
Secularism is not atheism. Atheism is an essential part of communism. Secularism tolerates atheism along with all religions but does not preach imposing atheism or any religion on non-secularists. In fact, secularism opposes such imposing.
But I see your point why Popes are against secularism. In Indian history, Shankaracharya tried to eliminate Buddhism when it was leading to atheism (he built temples over some Buddhist shrines) although Buddhism is a religion of compassion and Shankara taught onneness of God and Adwaita. Still I do not see why Popes want to convert India to Christianity because most Indians are still very spiritual; they are secularists but not atheists.
Some Shaivas and vaishnavas may still fight but as a rule, every Shiva temple has a Vishnu deity and vice versa. Traditionally, priests memorize well known verses which state that Vishnu and Shiva are one and the same.
My point is: there is a fundamental difference between Hinduism versus Christianity or Islam. In Gita, the Lord says "No matter in what form or in what name you worship Me, I am pleased and I will respond". He DOES NOT say "if you do not worhip me as Krishna and Krishna alone, you are doomed".
Actually, I find Jews in general, like Hindus, do not have agendas to go and spread their religion although there is such a thing called "conversion" in Judaism. They value their religion and are just quiet about other religions with no comments of respect or disrespect. They oppose Christians when Christians try to impose Jesus on them.
Yes, my argument is that Hinduism has broadmindedness codified in it. I am not talking about discrimination based on color, caste, language but discrimination based on religion. All discriminations exist in all nations of the world.
Secularism is part of Hinduism and when some Hindus fight for Hinduism, they are fighting for secularism but not against secularism.
As I said before, secularists tolerate all religions but when religious fanatics keep pushing their religion on secularists, secularists cannot help but fight back. But then people say "you are not saints, you react too, why are you all not Gandhis?" I do not think that it is being impartial or fair.
That is not my point.
Secularism is not atheism. Atheism is an essential part of communism. Secularism tolerates atheism along with all religions but does not preach imposing atheism or any religion on non-secularists. In fact, secularism opposes such imposing.
But I see your point why Popes are against secularism. In Indian history, Shankaracharya tried to eliminate Buddhism when it was leading to atheism (he built temples over some Buddhist shrines) although Buddhism is a religion of compassion and Shankara taught onneness of God and Adwaita. Still I do not see why Popes want to convert India to Christianity because most Indians are still very spiritual; they are secularists but not atheists.
Some Shaivas and vaishnavas may still fight but as a rule, every Shiva temple has a Vishnu deity and vice versa. Traditionally, priests memorize well known verses which state that Vishnu and Shiva are one and the same.
My point is: there is a fundamental difference between Hinduism versus Christianity or Islam. In Gita, the Lord says "No matter in what form or in what name you worship Me, I am pleased and I will respond". He DOES NOT say "if you do not worhip me as Krishna and Krishna alone, you are doomed".
Actually, I find Jews in general, like Hindus, do not have agendas to go and spread their religion although there is such a thing called "conversion" in Judaism. They value their religion and are just quiet about other religions with no comments of respect or disrespect. They oppose Christians when Christians try to impose Jesus on them.
Yes, my argument is that Hinduism has broadmindedness codified in it. I am not talking about discrimination based on color, caste, language but discrimination based on religion. All discriminations exist in all nations of the world.
Secularism is part of Hinduism and when some Hindus fight for Hinduism, they are fighting for secularism but not against secularism.
As I said before, secularists tolerate all religions but when religious fanatics keep pushing their religion on secularists, secularists cannot help but fight back. But then people say "you are not saints, you react too, why are you all not Gandhis?" I do not think that it is being impartial or fair.