MyReligionLab Assignment Week 2 - Essay Example

The Secular Face of Hinduism According to Vellaringat (2002), religion and politics have an integral relationship in terms of the social lives of the Hindu. Basically, religious analysis focuses on religious fundamentalism as well as liberal secularism. As argued by Vellaringat (p 57-9), the religious component of the modern Hindu society identifies the components of secular state and tolerance towards nationalism and fundamentalism. Despite all these however, the religious background of Hindus is based on devotion to God who is normally perceived as Brahman or Shakti, and upon whom devotions take the form of rituals and other practices such as the temple worship.

They also believe in the karma, the law of cause and effects that make an individual to create his own destiny by thoughts, words, and deeds.In the context of Vellaringat (2002), religion is a set of beliefs (Hindu beliefs) that that relate humanity to supernatural realities. This brings the art of worship and ritual practices as observed by the Hindus. Self seeking, through the intense meditation in order to realize the whole self identity does involve acknowledging the gods, according to the Hindu religion and beliefs.

Many of the Hindus have a primary focus on fulfilling their social, moral, political, as well as cultural duties and responsibilities appropriately to their gods in order establish their positions in life. As it may seem, there are similarities with other religious traditions and beliefs in this context. The Christians and the Muslims societies as well believe in the supreme God who determines destiny and affect their social, cultural, as well as moral motives. Considering the Hindus beliefs, practices, and holidays, one similar fact that connects these religions to the people’s daily lives is their commitments to devotion, liberation, and knowledge on what they believe in their respective religions.

It is therefore true that religious practices centers daily lives of many and dictates their social, traditional, and cultural duties.ReferencesVellaringat, J. (2002). The secular face of Hinduism. Vārānasi, Uttar Pradesh, India: Satya Manthan Sanstha.