r/atheism•
kchandaman

What's your opinion on eastern religions?

A little background: I was born in America, but was raised by Indian immigrant parents who are devout Hindus. Before I came to college, I was thorough in practicing the rituals with my family. However, when I moved to California, I have become more skeptical and agnostic, but I have not renounced my Hindu faith. I just want to make room for the possibility that there is no divinity. When I talk to my parents about this, they get kind of upset, but not furious like Christian fundamentalist parents do. Then they explain that our definition of God is not that a man is governing from the sky our every action, but that he is within us all. That would probably be the main difference between Hinduism and the monotheistic religions like Christianity and Islam.

However, my parents do not want me to be an atheist at all. Not even remotely agnostic. I know that Hinduism is not an organized religion like Christianity is, and it does not cause nearly as many problems in India and other countries as Christianity does in America, but it's still a religion, and I know you atheists have problems with that in itself.

What do you think about religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, as opposed to Christianity, Judaism, and Islam? I am sorry if this is a stupid question. Thanks guys!

Posted Jun 24, 2012, 1:19 AM UTC

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