Religion Outline the Early History Book Review

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5. -List the three major gods of modern Hinduism and give a brief description of each.

There are three major gods of modern Hinduism which are Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Brahma, who is called the Creator by Hindus, has always been a preeminent figure in Hinduism. Brahma is considered too otherworldly to be approached by humans. This explains a lack of devotion and temples by everyday Hindus to Brahma. Vishnu, on the other hand, has been worshipped throughout the ages as the Preserver of Life. Typically, Vishnu is depicted with four arms, symbolizing the god's all-embracing power. It is taught that Vishnu has experienced nine major rebirths. The tenth rebirth is expected to be a man carrying a flaming sword and mounted on a white horse who will punish the bad and reward the good and mark the establishment of a new age. Shiva, the Destroyer, and is displayed as a necklace wearing of small skulls. Shiva is the deity of death. However, death is seen as a necessary part of life since in Hinduism there is no life without death (Hopfe & Woodward 74-121).

6-Discuss the role of goddesses in Hinduism.

Goddess worship or deva worship which is commonly used with Shakti is associated with the feminine aspect of the divine. It is also worship of the divine feminine creative power. Goddesses are important because there is the essential other half of the universe, while the male compromises the first half (Hopfe & Woodward 74-121).

7. Describe the central features of the caste system.

The caste system is one of the most persistent features of Hindu society which began during the Verdic Age. Society was divided into four main classes, the Kshatriya consisting of the rulers and warriors, the Brahmins -- the priests, the peasants or Vaishya class.

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The Vaishya later developed into merchants and ordinary townsfolk. The bottom rung were the Shudra or farm laborers. It is important to note that the Brahmin were the top social class not the Kshatriya. As Hindu society progressed these social classes became the four main castes. Today the castes have been subdivided main times, making more than 3,000 castes. There is also a segment of society that is called the Untouchables. They are considered undesirable and face discrimination in Hindu society. They typically handle tasks that Hindus deem unclean or unworthy of themselves (Hopfe & Woodward 74-121).

8. Contrast Hinduism with Islam.

Islam is a monotheistic religion based on the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed. It shares roots with the other two great monotheistic religions, Christianity and Judaism. All of them believe in the previous prophets, Abraham, Moses, and the rest of the Old Testament prophets. Islam, on the other hand, believes Mohammed is the greatest prophet out of all the previous ones (Hopfe & Woodward 345-372). Muslims believe in no other god but Allah while Hinduism is composed of other deities. Hinduism believes in a supreme being like Islam but it is not the only deity. Hinduism is also one of the oldest religions in the world while Islam is relatively new compared to the other religions. Hinduism also does not believe in the previous prophets. Also, Hinduism believes in reincarnation while Islam does not (Hopfe & Woodward 74-121).

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