This has naturally been the most interesting and exciting part of the experience for me. India is arguably the most diverse melting pot of religions in the world. With a population of one Billion, they have everything here and they have it in mass quantities.
Whereas in America you are likely to encounter four different denominations of Christianity in a town square, in India you encounter 4 different religions. While I have spent the majority of the time focusing on the relationship between Christianity and Hinduism, every single religion in the world plays a pivotal role in the make-up of India. Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism, Islam, Baha’i, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Confucianism, and a plethora of others all mix and mingle to create an extremely diverse fusion of holy beliefs and rituals.
One of the hardest parts however, in discerning and filtering information here, is that virtually none of these religions have maintained their original foundations. For instance, it is not uncommon to meet Hindu-Christians or Hindu-Muslims. Within the very essence of Hinduism is the ability to adapt to and incorporate other beliefs. The same is true of Buddhism as well. So, if you are speaking with a Hindu, it would not be beyond comprehension for him to also call himself a Christian. So, he is a polytheist theist. And in India, this somehow makes sense. Or it is relative to the point that no one seriously asks the question of how this can be. It just is what it is. Nothing is absolute. Everything is complex and beyond comprehension in India (unless of course you ask them about the government).
This becomes especially difficult for Westerners when it comes to ethical and moral issues. What might be considered unethical or immoral in the West is either relative to the situation or even considered an ethical or moral duty here. For instance, throwing babies off of buildings to toughen them up, a widow burning herself to show dedication to her deceased husband, and ritually sacrificing animals in the temples are part of everyday life here. And even more trivial issues such as cleanliness, healthiness, and timeliness are thought of in totally different terms in India.
I am uncertain whether we as Westerners can ever come close to grasping this way of thinking. I am slso uncertain whether they themselves really understand it either. It just it what it is. And what we believe to be reasonable questions and considerations are often pushed aside in light of tradition and duty. They do what they do because that’s what they believe they are supposed to do. And no seemingly reasonable argument can convince them otherwise.
As a religious studies major this fascinates me and haunts me at the same time. I have been blown away by a completely different way of thinking. Of course I have read about these concepts in books, but encountering them head-on brings them into reality. It is not just a concept in a book. It is a way of life for millions upon millions of people.
As we get ready to leave India I have much to think about. Fortunately or unfortunately I believe I am departing with more questions than answers.
Thanks for your thoughts Corey. I’m fascinated by your insights and appreciate your honesty most of all. Can’t wait to see you guys when you are home.
Thanks Matthew! There is so much more to share, but it will have to wait. We have put up perhaps only 1% of what we have experienced, so there will be stories galore! See you soon!
I have really enjoyed reading your blog. What stories you have to tell!! Can’t wait to see you two. Thought we’d have a family bar-b-q and swim party at our house when you get back. Grandma is going to open her special bottle of Dom Champagne! Take care and have a safe flight back. We all miss you and love you!! Aunt Val
That would be great!!! We can’t turn down Dom Champagne, so we’ll be there! We’ll work out a date and time when we get back. Love you and see you soon!