This post really spoke to me. I was born Hindu, but from a young age my father talked to us about caste and how it divides and destroys people. At some point, I learned that different castes were mapped onto the body of God, and that "untouchables" were so low, they were off the fucking map. I don't know that I was ever embedded to the extent that there was anything to walk away FROM, but I will say that it is a constant source of grief and shame to come from centuries old traditions that have defined themselves by their oppression. And for anyone who argues that because something is outlawed in the constitution, or because a nation calls itself democratic, that oppression goes away, I'd invite to you take a trip to India (and not the eat pray love bs, of an ashram and yoga retreat).
There's a book called the Measure of Reality, that discusses how people perceive God(s) and religion relative to their living circumstances. You might like it. I think one of the challenges with how Christianity is perceived is there isn't a lot of discussion about free will in a way that's helpful. It's distilled down to carrot/stick. I also still like the Book of James and the Beatitudes.
This post really spoke to me. I was born Hindu, but from a young age my father talked to us about caste and how it divides and destroys people. At some point, I learned that different castes were mapped onto the body of God, and that "untouchables" were so low, they were off the fucking map. I don't know that I was ever embedded to the extent that there was anything to walk away FROM, but I will say that it is a constant source of grief and shame to come from centuries old traditions that have defined themselves by their oppression. And for anyone who argues that because something is outlawed in the constitution, or because a nation calls itself democratic, that oppression goes away, I'd invite to you take a trip to India (and not the eat pray love bs, of an ashram and yoga retreat).
@Amshula Jayaram or should I say, Twin! Thanks so much for this comment. It’s definitely illuminating and appreciated.
There's a book called the Measure of Reality, that discusses how people perceive God(s) and religion relative to their living circumstances. You might like it. I think one of the challenges with how Christianity is perceived is there isn't a lot of discussion about free will in a way that's helpful. It's distilled down to carrot/stick. I also still like the Book of James and the Beatitudes.
I’ll check that book out. Thanks for reading!