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From: kort@hounx.UUCP (B.KORT)
Newsgroups: net.nlang.india,net.politics,net.religion.jewish,net.nlang.africa,net.religion
Subject: Re: Some Ideas from India: Laws of Manu: Duties of Sudras
Message-ID: <488@hounx.UUCP>
Date: Sun, 12-Jan-86 13:24:39 EST
Article-I.D.: hounx.488
Posted: Sun Jan 12 13:24:39 1986
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The book, _A Guide to the World's Religion_ by David G. Bradley analyzes
the twelve main faiths from the standpoint of their underlying concepts,
philosophy, history, and current influence.  As I read this remarkable
book, I noted that the same deep ideas are found at the center of each
religion.  The names and symbols changed, but the essence remained.  The
differences among the many religions were largely superficial, centering
largely on the historical circumstances whereby the eternal truths were
first elucidated by the great thinkers and writers within a particular
religion.  One of the interesting differences among religions is the
extent to which they are participatory.  In some religions, the adherents
are expected to form a mute and unquestioning audience for The Word.  In
others, the individual is encouraged to discover The Word through his
own study and labor, and share his vision of it with others of his community.
Personally, I prefer the latter approach.  In this regard, I find Hinduism
most commendable.  I like Judaism for the same reason, because Judaism is
not so much a religion as a debating society, much in the spirit of the
Atheneum of the Greek Philosopers.  In either case, it is an attempt to
codify Common Sense.  --Barry Kort