Page:An Essay On Hinduism.pdf/41

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
2
AN ESSAY ON HINDUISM

his death ? and so forth. That is, it should give information regarding the unseen and unknown.

He again thinks that religion should contain admonitions regarding conduct. If the religion be personal, that is, brought into existence by Individuals like Jesus, Mohamed, Buddha, the teachings of that Son of God, or prophet or philosopher should become the guiding principles of life for its followers. He also expects that the moral injunctions of a religion should be definite.

He also thinks that a religion should have an authoritative scripture, like the Bible or the Koran. Such scriptures are, in fact, essential in order to make the moral injunctions of the religion definite.

He also thinks of certain ceremonies, rituals and sacraments as part of the religion, and holds that adhesion to those things is compulsory on the followers of religion. In the Christian Church (for example) baptism, marriage by a Christian minister, etc., are considered compulsory.

He also thinks that a religion is not only an adviser in morals, etc., but is supreme in the field. In deciding whether a certain action is good or not, the authority of religion should receive supreme consideration, and should even be regarded as final. He also thinks that the laws and customs of the country which professes a certain religion should conform to and must not oppose scriptural injunctions.

Another thing which he expects of a religion is that it should be a system, the injunctions of which should create very strong sentiments among its followers. Thus, when he says that a particular belief or attitude is his religion, he means that that attitude is his strongest sentiment. He expects a devout Christian to be so imbued with the teach-