The Impact of Religious Beliefs and Cultural Traits on the Thinking - Term Paper Example

ABSTRACT The present research paper aims to identify the impact of religious beliefs and cultural traits on the thinking, views, actions, behavior and exposure of the individuals from the beginning of their socialization process i.e. from adolescence to different phases of life including young, middle and old age. In addition, the paper looks for examining the attitude of the individuals towards the socio-cultural and religious groups and communities other than those traditionally followed by them. The research paper seeks support from the studies and researches have already been conducted on the same and similar topics. Being a comparative study, the present research focuses upon Jewish and Hindu cultures with particular concentration upon faiths, norms, mores, values, customs and conventions observed by both these divergent communities belonging to the pole-apart regions of the globe. The paper provides legitimacy to the hypothesis that religious beliefs, cults and cultural background serve as the identity mark of the individuals, and determine the angle of their thoughts and exposure while their interaction with the outer world from the very beginning. Hence, both faith and culture are the most powerful factors that not only expose the personality characteristics of humans, but also leave indelible impact on the personality, thoughts, actions and behavior of the individuals at large. Since religious beliefs and cultural traits are essential parts of psychological anthropology, the topic would be highly beneficial and supportive in respect of covering the requirements of the subject under analysis. INTRODUCTION It has aptly been stated that personality is the amalgamation of different features and factors that exist in physical and social environment of human beings. These factors include heredity, cultural norms, religious beliefs and distinctive innate individual habits and unique experiences of life; all these factors serve as essential determinants in the formation of a personality. These factors not only play their dynamic role in making up of persona, but also develop liking and disliking as well as priorities and repugnance towards the outer world. Heredity and cultural aspects are considered to be somewhat synchronized ones, where major divergence could be observed in physical appearance from other members of society, while cultural characteristics are almost same in different personalities living in the same environment. It is therefore the theorists strongly believe that personality and culture are two sides of same coin, and cultural traits are sure to explain the nature and actions of different people. Culture is a vast subject that contains art, literature, religious beliefs, norms, mores, taboos and traditions etc followed by the majority of the population of a specific area or community. Being an essential part of culture, religion also plays pivotal role in the growth and development of personality. Religion stands for belief in someone supernatural, which, according to the believers, maintains power to listen to their prayers in order to remove all difficulties and problems experienced by the individuals, and provides them with happiness, comforts, relief and rewards in this world and in the world Hereinafter as well. Hence, religion is the source of spiritual guidance, ethical aspects and moral values for the followers. The same is applied on Judaism. History of Religions: Looking into the history of the world in general, it becomes obvious that an overwhelming majority of all human societies had and have belief in supernatural and metaphysical being(s) since the known human history. Consequently, religion is the most ancient and most dominant part of human life that existed in all cultures and civilizations from most primitive Paleolithic and Neolithic ages to the most modern ones of contemporary era. Since religion is one of the most diversified subjects, hundreds of faiths exist in the world, which are quite different from one another in structure, mythology and teachings. Among the long list of faiths, Abrahamic religions are considered to be most dominant and influential ones, as not only the followers of these religions are largest in number, but also they are prominent and powerful both in political and financial points of view. These three Abrahamic religions include Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Judaism is the oldest of the Abrahamic faiths, the followers of which live in almost all parts of the globe. Israel is the only Jewish state in the world, where Jewish religious traditions and customs are followed at state level with complete freedom and without any obstacle, hindrance, fear or interruption from the outer world. The most sacred place for Jews i.e. Jerusalem is also situated in Israel. JUDAISM Judaism and its Basic Beliefs: Jewish traditions and rituals are unique in nature and scope, which make the religion as divergent from other spiritual communities and groups at large. Jewish community considers itself as the people of God, and claims that hundreds of prophets were sent by God in their community i.e. in the House of Jacob for the fulfillment of the noble mission to guide the humanity. The Jews call themselves as the children of Israel (Jacob), who was the son of Isaac and the grandson of Abraham. It is therefore, the Jewish community views Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as its three patriarchs, while Moses is the chief of all prophets, according to the Jewish traditions, who saved them from the cruel clutches of Egyptian Emperor Pharaoh. The Jewish culture strictly adheres to the teachings described in their religious Scripture Torah (the Old Testament). The Jews transfer the information to the next generation that they belong to the progeny of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob, and thus are the member of Heaven’s favorite-most nation since the creation of the world. Renowned poet of Classical Era John Milton also quotes the Biblical theme, where Jews are regarded as the chosen seed. “Of Oreb, or of Sinai, didst inspire that Shepherd, who first taught the chosen Seed”. (Paradise Lost: Book I, lines 6-7). The religious book of Muslims i.e. the Quran also asserts the reality that the House of Jacob had been the community that had been specially blessed by the Lord by bestowing prophet-hood and kingdom upon them, as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were the prophets of God, while Jacob’s son Joseph was both the prophet and king of Egypt. In the words of the Quran: “O ye children of Israel! Remember my favors which I have favored you with; fulfill my covenant and I will fulfill your covenant; me therefore dread.” (Chapter II: Verses 40) The history reveals their origin at Canaan, where Abraham’s grandson and Isaac’s son Jacob, also alias Israel, lived. The special blessing of the Creator on the house of Jacob has always been a debatable question for the clergymen, scholars and philosophers since ever. It has often been said that the House of Jacob had been selected as the chosen seed among all the nations and races of the world for some special mission of guiding the humanity. It is therefore, the Jews lay stress upon observing of religious activities in their individual and collective life. Monotheism: Judaism observes unique set of belief in its culture. Being a completely monotheist religion, its followers strictly believe in the oneness of God. In Judaism and Islam, oneness of God is the most important commonality. “The essence of the Hebrew religion (i.e. Judaism)”, Alan (1993) states, “was that the Lord had made a covenant with the chosen people, the children of Israel.” And the first term of the covenant was worshipping of the one God (Yahweh). The Torah declares one God as the Creator of the world. In its words: “In the beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth”. (Genesis: 1:1). It clearly signifies that monotheism prevailed among the earliest Jews and they believed in one God (or Yahweh, or Jehovah or Eloah or Allah). Exodus 6:3 is cited as evidence for this: “and I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name, YHVH, I did not make Myself known to them.” Hence, worshipping one God and seeking help from him exclusively is one of the most fundamental teachings of Judaism. The Jews seek spiritual inspiration from Torah (the Old Testament), which was revealed on Moses, who saved the children of Israel from the life of humiliation and misery exercised upon them by the rulers of ancient Egypt, called Pharaoh. The Jewish children are brought up in the same lines which have been described and determined in the Old Testament, and those which are explained and adopted by their spiritual leader called rabbi. Jewish Prayers and Religious Activities: Prayer maintains very imperative place in Judaism, where the religious teachings lay stress upon both individual and collective prayers at synagogue and residence. Saturday (Sabbath) is the consecrated day for the Jews, which is particularly reserved for prayer according to the Mosaic teachings since ancient times. The prayer time starts from the Friday evening and lasts till Saturday evening. According to the traditions, the Jews must spend this time in prayers and meditation, and should not get indulged into any worldly pursuit or activity. The Torah also defines this day as the most imperative hours of worshipping and meditations. “The Sabbath (or Shabbat, as it is called in Hebrew) is one of the best known and least understood of all Jewish observances. To those who observe Shabbat, it is a precious gift from God, a day of great joy eagerly awaited throughout the week; a time when we can set aside all of our weekday concerns and devote ourselves to higher pursuits. Shabbat is the most important ritual observance in Judaism.  It is the only ritual observance instituted in the Ten Commandments.  It is also the most important special day, even more important than Yom Kippur.” (Mechon-mamre.org). There was a time when Jewish people used to keep their businesses closed and did not make professional and corporate deals on Sabbath or Saturday at any cost. But the traditions have got significant changes, and moral and ethical values have witnessed imperative transformations with the passage of time. These days, Sabbath is only observed as religious day by the rabbis and other religious personalities only. Important Festivals: Besides Sabbath, Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Hanukkah and others are the most significant festivals observed by the Jewish people. Yom Kippur is the greatest religious festival for Jews, which serves as the ‘Day of Atonement’ for the community. It has its origins in the Torah, as the Scripture describes: “Then the LORD said to Moses, "Remember that the Day of Atonement is to be celebrated on the ninth day after the Festival of Trumpets. On that day you must humble yourselves, gather for a sacred assembly, and present offerings to the LORD by fire. Do no work during that entire day because it is the Day of Atonement, when atonement will be made for you before the LORD your God and payment will be made for your sins. Anyone who does not spend that day in humility will be cut off from the community.” (Leviticus, 23: 26-29) The Jews gather in Synagogue, repent on their sins and wrongdoings, cry and weep and seek pardon from the Lord. Similarly Rosh Hashanah is the first day of Jewish calendar, which is celebrated by the community by rejoicing and enjoyment. Sukkot is celebrated by visiting Jerusalem and performing pilgrimage at there. The Jews from all parts of the world go for performing pilgrimage and visiting the shrines of the Patriarch situated there. Major Jewish Rituals: Birth Ceremonies: It is according to the Jewish traditions that all newly born male babies are circumcised (brit milah) on eighth day of birth according to the Abrahamic traditions. Later, the children are given a name, which is generally based on one or more Biblical characters and personalities. Baby girls are given names in Simchat Bat ceremony held in Synagogue at the first Sabbath (Saturday) of her birth. The Jews rear up their children according to the noble teachings of Torah and Talmud. Leviticus 19 provides complete code of life to the Jews, where worship of One God, obedience of parents, offering prayers, keeping fast, performing charitable activities, avoiding social evils like stealing, lies and dishonesty have been vehemently instructed. Courtship and Marriage: Like Christianity and Islam, sex before marriage is strictly forbidden in Judaism. Not only this, but also any type of sexual relationship before marriage is completely prohibited. In addition, homosexuality is also condemned by the orthodox Jews, as it is perversion and violation of the Jewish religious belief. One can marry to the member of his or her opposite sex only. Marriage, in traditional Jew families, is arranged by the common friends and relatives, which suggest suitable match for bride and groom, and arrange meeting between them so that they could share their liking and disliking for finding out the compatibility between the two. “The Talmud states that the couple must also be physically attractive to each other, something that can only be determined by meeting. According to Jewish law physical contact is not allowed between a man and a woman until they are married.” (ohr.edu) Marriage is considered as the spiritual union of the couple, where sexual desires are given less important. It is therefore, the bride and groom keep fast on their wedding day. Death and Funeral Ceremonies: A dead body is as respectable for Jews as alive. It is therefore, the deceased person is given proper attention. Eating, drinking and sleeping are not allowed near the dead body, nor any type of music or recreation is observed there. Generally, the people do not eat anything till the burial of the dead body. The Jews wash the dead body carefully and wrap it in the coffin. The funeral services are performed in the synagogue in the presence of rabbi, and burial service is performed in the graveyard according to the religious traditions. The Jews do not make unnecessary delays in burial, and funeral services are performed without any unnecessary delays. Reincarnation: Judaism has strong belief in the Day of Resurrection and reincarnation on the same day when all the souls from the beginning to the end would be reincarnated and would be taken before the Creator in order to reward the obedient and noble souls and punish the transgressors. The Holy Torah explains the concept of life in the world Hereafter in these words: “All souls are subject to reincarnation; and people do not know the ways of the Holy One, blessed be He! They do not know that they are brought before the tribunal both before they enter into this world and after they leave it;” (Zohar II 99b) Hence, concept of life after death and the Day of Resurrection maintains an imperative significance in Judaism. Prejudice and Bias Attitude: Both Christianity and Islam share mythology and religious performing with Judaism, which creates feelings of hatred and abhorrence in the minds of Jews for the Christians and Muslims. The Jews refute the Christian claim that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah. They also did not view Holy Mary as the promised Virgin who would give birth to Messiah. It had created feelings of sheer hatred in the minds of both these communities for one another. In addition, the Jews also refute the Muslims’ claim that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is Farqaleet and fulfills all the signs described in Torah and Bible. These differences and stubbornness has given birth to war and bloodshed in the holy name of religion between all the three Abrahamic faiths. It is generally viewed that Jews maintain strict reservations for Christians and Muslims, and consider them as the deviators from the right path. Hence, the Jews observe narrow-sightedness particularly towards the Muslim community, and try to let them down in the race of strategic and economic stability. HINDUISM Hinduism is one of the important religions and communities of the world, the followers of which are nearly one billion in number. Hence, unlike Judaism, the adherents of Hinduism make up a sizeable population of the world. It has its origin in South Asia, where India contains the overwhelming majority of the total Hindu population of the globe. Nepal is the only Hindu state of the world, where Hinduism enjoys the status of state religion. Since it is considered to be an earthly religion, the Muslims and Christians look down upon it and view it with somewhat colored spectacles. Hinduism has unique ideology and mythology, which resembles with Jainism and Buddhism to some extent in system of belief and prayer methodology. Fundamental Beliefs: Being a highly complex and multifarious religion, Hinduism follows multiple traditions, customs and conventions during the everyday life, associated with divergent religious figures and personalities. Contrary to the monotheist Judaism, Hinduism it is a polytheist religion, and adheres to worship multiple gods and goddesses, statues and idols of which are erected in temples and residences, where the Hindus worship these idols and seek their help for various purposes. India is the most dominant Hindu state of the globe. Though officially India is a secular state, where the followers of divergent faiths are allowed to observe their religious practices without any fear or restrictions, yet Hinduism is the most dominant and influential faith followed by over 80% of the total Indian population. It is therefore, there exist thousands multihued Hindu temples carrying millions of colorful statues of Hindu gods and goddesses in India. Different temples have been attributed to different gods and goddesses on the basis of their powers, scope and fields. The Hindus are of the view that gods can arrive in the world in the form of humans, animals, beasts, birds and reptiles even. “Until 11th century”, Ali witnesses, “the Hindus used to live in very small and congested abodes. It was the arrival of Muslim rulers that brought revolutionary alterations in the life and vision of the Hindus.” (1986: 55) Hindus strictly believe in caste system, and the individuals belonging to high Hindu caste exercised humiliating attitude towards the people coming from the lower stratum of society. Every type of atrocities was allowed on them, and they were deprived of even basic necessities of life. Somehow, the situation has taken drastic turn with the passage of time, and such type of division is confined only for match-making for marriages and dinning out together. Shiva is regarded as the supreme spiritual figure for Hindus, who had arrived on the earth in human form by concealing his divinity, according to them. The Hindus have constructed several temples in the name of Shiva in various cities of India and Nepal. Furthermore, Ram, Lakshmon and Seeta are also vital male and female characters of reverence and adoration for Hindus. Prayer methods and places: Like other social and cultural activities, religious practices of Hindus are also quite different from Judaism. The Hindus have decorated their religious places with colorful pictures and idols of gods and goddesses, which are invoked through jingle of bells, songs (called bhejen), musical instruments and dance etc. the Hindus prepare special dishes to present before the idols, which are later distributed to the attendants and other worshippers present in the premises of temple. Moreover, since the Hindus have made separate place for worshipping at residences, they usually bow before the idols in the morning as well as at different times of day. Preparation of various dishes for the idols of gods and goddesses is the distinction of the Hindu religion, which is seldom observed by the follower of any other religion. Since there is no specific rule of prayers among Hindus, they invoke supernatural elements as well as animals and non-living things including fire, water, mountain and others to seek their support sat the eve of any difficulty or disaster. The Hindus seek support from different gods and goddesses for different purposes. For instance, Laxmi Devi is worshipped for seeking financial stability and gaining wealth. “The puja (i.e. worship) to Varalakshmi, Jagannathan states, “the beautiful goddess of wealth, is conducted on the full moon day of the month of Adi for the sake of attaining wealth subsequently because of the special favors of the goddess upon the worshippers in July-August.” (2006: 87) The festival signs the lost of the summer season, and the upcoming of rainy season, which may bring the rains of wealth too in its wake for the worshippers. Food and Festivals: Hindus are particularly famous for the variety of its distinguished foods all over the globe. An overwhelming majority of Hindus is vegetarian and seldom includes meat in food. Like gods and temples, their food is also very colorful. The Hindus cook pulses and vegetables in multiple recipes, and include ghee, butter, pickle, chetni and sauces in almost all dishes. Milk, yogurt, chepati, daal, bhujiya, helwa and rice are very popular in Hindu culture, which are seldom cooked in other parts of the world. In addition, Hindu males are accustomed to wearing tehmend, lungi and shelwar qameez as their native dresses, while saree is the most popular female dress in India and Nepal. The western dresses are making their sure headway in their culture, and are very popular among young generation. The most important Hindu festivals include holi, deewali, rengoli and others, which are celebrated with national vigor and enthusiasm. Family System: Almost all religions of the world suggest separate living place for family consists of husband, wife and children, but Hindus lay stress upon such residential system where married brothers and their children could live jointly within one abode. Hence, joint family system is in vogue in Hindu families, where grandfather is considered as the head of family. The married couples live together with their aged parents, and share kitchen and business activities with one another. Music and Dance: Contrary to Judaism, dance and music are essential parts of Hindu culture. The Hindu music observes distinction in style and exposure. Dhol, bansuri, tebla, sarengi and others are most applied musical instruments, while luddi, kathic and bhengra are different dances performed by the Indians. Hindus boys and girls start learning singing and dance from childhood along with their formal education. Hindu Rituals: Marriage: Marriage ceremonies are very colorful events of Hindu culture and the Hindus celebrate marriage ceremony for many days. On marriage day, husband and wife take seven rounds around the fire-place with husband in leading position and wife following her. The religious person called pujari read some words from their religious book during the seven rounds. Cousin-marriage is not very much admired by the Hindus, though marriages are generally arranged by parents in Hindus. Love marriages are also making headway in the culture, though caste system is very much strong particularly in matrimony and people search out the families of same caste for the marriage of their children. Before the advent of the Muslims, the Hindus used to live in very small and dark houses. However, wide and spacious houses have won popularity in India. Funeral System: The funeral system of Hindus is also quite strange that distinguishes the followers from other faiths and beliefs. At the eve of death, the dead body is decorated with best clothes, and his precious belongings are also put with his body. After this arrangement, the heirs set the dead body on fire till it turns into ashes. The ashes are preserved in a jar, which is thrown into the river subsequently. Thus, the Hindus do not bury their dead bodies; rather, they hand the deceased body to the flames of fire. Belief in Reincarnation: The Abrahamic religions i.e. Judaism, Christianity and Islam maintain strong belief in Resurrection, and the Day of Judgment, whereas the concept of life after death is quite different among Hindus. Contrary to Abrahamic religions, the Hindus believe in seven rebirth cycles. According to them, the people who have led a virtuous life would lead a happy life in the next rebirth, while the wicked would have an adverse life due to their misdeeds. Hence, they view that each rebirth offers new style and nature of life, which is quite unpredictable and is based on the performance and activities made and conducted in present life. Consequently, man could become an animal, a tree, or a metal in his next life. CONCLUSION: To conclude, it becomes evident that both Judaism and Hinduism are quite different religions, which have least similarity in ideology, mythology, belief system, scriptures and other concepts, festivals and rituals. The divergence in philosophy and ideology make them pole-apart faiths, with distinguished life style from birth till death. Judaism resembles with Christianity and Islam, as these three share one and the same mythology including the concept of God, angels, Scriptures, prophets, life after death and Resurrection. On the contrary, Hinduism takes after Jainism and Buddhism, which do not believe in Oneness of God, nor there exists any concept of angels, prophets or reincarnation. The divergence in ideologies can also been witnessed in rituals and festivals of both the religious beliefs. REFERENCES: Bernstein, Alan E. (1993) The Formation of Hell: Death and Retribution in the Ancient and Early Christian Worlds. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. Milton, John. (2006) Paradise Lost. Geo S. Appleton Harvard University Jaganathan, Maithily. (2006) South Indian Hindu Festivals and Traditions Abhinav Publications Crumbs, R. (2009) The Book of Genesis W.W. Norton & Company Leviticus, 23:26-30 The Lord’s Address to Moses (http://skepticsannotatedbible.com/lev/1.html) The Nature of Shabbat Retrieved from http://www.mechon-mamre.org/jewfaq/shabbat.htm Exodus, 32-34. The Golden Calf (Retrieved from http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+32-34) The Heifer. Chapter 2. The English Translation of the Holy Quran Read More