Originally posted by: astha36
No, it isn't the same thing. What I am saying is that if somebody were to believe in the Hindu philosophy which you mentioned, which must be written in some Hindu scripture, then they would believe that it is possible to gain salvation through three ways right? Because that is the philosophy. They can choose one or be convinced towards one more but still least they believe the other two to be true?
Hinduism has no one doctrine or scripture. It is a very organically grown religion that has evolved significantly and continues to do so. Because of its organic, unstructured, very open nature, there is a lot of variance in beliefs and rejections.
Some Hindus believe that vegetarianism is mandated. Others do not believe vegetarianism is mandated.
Some people believe that rituals are important and necessary. Others do not believe they are necessary.
Some people believe that widows must shave their heads and wear white. Others do not believe they are necessary.
Some Hindus believe that Buddha is the ninth avatar of Vishnu. Others actually believe Jesus or Mohammed maybe the ninth. Still, others believe that Vishnu and his avatars are metaphorical and were never real people.
Some Hindus believe that the mythological tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata are true history. Others believe that all stories are metaphorical.
Originally posted by: astha36
Also, do we call a person Hindu or Christian or Muslim for believing in only some parts of their religion? I'm saying "believing" and not "following". And of course I'm talking about those who have consciously chosen their religion and not just those who are born in it. I think I could respect Christianity, like a part of it and even follow that part, while being a Hindu, but that wouldn't make me a Christian. And so, for someone to be following a religion, they have to at least believe all parts of it, or find contradictions or different interpretations of the controversial parts. They can't just ignore some parts and say I am still a Hindu. Either you believe it or you don't.
If a person says they are a practitioner of "X' religion, then they are a practitioner of "X" religion. It doesn't matter what they believe or doesn't. Almost everyone picks and chooses what to believe. Not just "follow" but "believe." And religion has been passed on and interpreted by humans for so many centuries that who knows what is doctrine and what isn't.
Some people believe homosexuality is a sin and openly condemn it.
Some people believe homosexuality is a sin but tolerate/accept it.
Some people believe homosexuality is perfectly fine and people misinterpret the Abrahamic texts.
All three and other variances of it are very strong "beliefs." People subscribe to them at the very core of their soul. They all conflict with each other, but you will find people holding these conflicting beliefs claim to subscribe to one religion.
And who is the final authority to decide what is doctrine, what is the right interpretation and what must a follower believe?
Clergy can be excommunicated but is a minister going to mind read an entire congregation to ensure their "belief" in scripture is exactly the same as his and kick out everyone who wavers?
I am a beef eating atheist and a Hindu? What are you going to do sue me to strip me of my right to be a Hindu? Follow me everywhere to write a post script not a Hindu every time I say I'm a Hindu?
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