Hinduism as a World Religion

This master thesis explores the factors that were crucial in the process that led to the separate category of ‘Hinduism’ in the world religions paradigm. Our present image of Hinduism as a world religion is for a large part a continuation of nineteenth century ideas on Hinduism and religion in general. Due to nineteenth century scholarship and the agency of prominent Hindus, Hinduism as a world religion is presented as a book religion and belief system with the philosophy of Vedanta as its essential doctrinal substantiation. Vedanta is certainly an important and influential facet of Hinduism, but presenting the philosophy of Vedanta as Hinduism’s essence has created a one-dimensional image of Hinduism that does not do justice to the extreme versatility and complexity found in Hinduism. Next to that, emphasising belief and doctrine has led to an undervaluation of all those other aspects of Hinduism, such as rituals, materiality and social relations, all of which are important...Show moreThis master thesis explores the factors that were crucial in the process that led to the separate category of ‘Hinduism’ in the world religions paradigm. Our present image of Hinduism as a world religion is for a large part a continuation of nineteenth century ideas on Hinduism and religion in general. Due to nineteenth century scholarship and the agency of prominent Hindus, Hinduism as a world religion is presented as a book religion and belief system with the philosophy of Vedanta as its essential doctrinal substantiation. Vedanta is certainly an important and influential facet of Hinduism, but presenting the philosophy of Vedanta as Hinduism’s essence has created a one-dimensional image of Hinduism that does not do justice to the extreme versatility and complexity found in Hinduism. Next to that, emphasising belief and doctrine has led to an undervaluation of all those other aspects of Hinduism, such as rituals, materiality and social relations, all of which are important characteristics of Hinduism.Show less

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Hinduism as a World Religion