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Convenor of Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) Dr Oscar Rebello has been nominated
for CNN-IBN's Indian of the Year Award 2007 in public service category
Vote for him at:
http://www.cnnibnindianoftheyear.com/publicservice_voting_new.php
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The often quoted and recent reference of Hinduism as "not a religion", has
"many Gods", and is "a way of life" are old hand-me-down sayings, that even
some Hindus may use. These are aspects about Hinduism that some Catholics still
use as cliches; and unknowingly / unintentionally may be offensive. I am not
a theologian. Yet to this supurlo Goenkar, Hinduism fits well into the
definition of religion. (see below for a neutral definition).
>From Wikipedia:
A religion is a set of common beliefs and practices generally held by a group
of people, often codified as prayer, ritual, and religious law. Religion also
encompasses ancestral or cultural traditions, writings, history, and mythology,
as well as personal faith and mystic experience. The term "religion" refers to
both the personal practices related to communal faith and to group rituals and
communication stemming from shared conviction.
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My Hindu friends believe in ONE supreme God called "OM" or Bhagvan or Brahman.
This God manifest itself as a Trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. For their
prayers - puja, bhajan - to reach OM, a Hindu devotee follows one or another
member of this Trinity, through one of his incarnations. These terms and
concepts should not be difficult for Christians to understand. At least not for
this supurlo Christaum. By no means am I suggesting that the two religions are
similar. But to someone with goodwill and understanding, it is not difficult
to develop some appreciation and mutual respect.
The 'way of life 'of Hindus based on Hinduism; is no different than the 'way of
life' of Christians based on their religion; and the 'way of life' of Muslims
based on Islam. (See above for definition of religion). After all, to this
supurlo Goenkar, the 'Way of Life' is nothing more than putting religion into
practice.
Perhaps persons who are an authority on religion can respond to the title of
this thread. Most of us are 'cafeteria', some to the point of being 'atheist',
in a buffet laid before us in life, by the Almighty.
I compliment Fr. Ivo for his excellent writings in recent posts. I am no
authority on Catholicism, but clearly Fr. Ivo's writings does 'separate the men
from the boys (and girls)' on such a deep topic; where some may think they can
be a self-taught authority. Fr. Ivo demonstrates admirably, that an authority
does not need long papers or texts, to explain and correct specific points
raised by those not-so-learned in a field.
Kind Regards, GL
