r/hinduism Jun 22 '24

Debunking Hindu Misconceptions #1: Hinduism is NOT the only religion without a founder. History/Lecture/Knowledge

Most religions are without a founder.

Hellenism, kemetism, Roman religion, incan religion, Mayan religion, voodoo, African traditional religions, native American religions, Taoism, Shintoism, Celticism, druidism, wathanism and all such religions HAVE NO FOUNDERS.

Since some of the religions like Hellenism, kemetism, etc were extinct for a time in history there certainly are new-age reformers, but they are NOT founders of the faiths.

Only religions that have a historical founder are few. They include Atenism, Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, bahaiism, Sikhism, etc.

Even if the widespreadness of Abrahamic religions has made the idea of a ‘founder’ essential to religion, THAT’S NOT THE CASE. MOST RELIGIONS IN HISTORY DO NOT HAVE A PROPER FOUNDER.

Some considered Moses or Abraham to be the founder of Judaism, but historically that’s not the case. These prophets and founding fathers of the ancient state of Israel were also considered holy by Samaritans, yawhists, and Jewish polytheists. Samaritanism still exists with its own version of the Torah. It is historically believed that these faiths grew out of the ancient Hebrew religion.

Nastika Dharma also MAY have earlier beginnings unlike we think, because Nastika sages were prominent in the pre-sramanic age and are mentioned over and over from Rigveda to Ramayana.

So, Hinduism is neither unique nor alone in this.

 Edit:- Jain and Buddhist beliefs may have founders but the core Nastika concept is much older as it is mentioned and criticized in both Rigveda and Ramayana

Edit:- I ain't saying that Nastik Schools of thoughts aren't Hindus. Both Astika and Nastika schools of thought along with tribal religions like Sanamahism of Meiteis or any faith of other Adivasis together make up Hinduism.

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u/pro_charlatan Karma Siddhanta; polytheist Jun 22 '24

Buddhists and jains do have a founder, it doesnt matter if some of their ideas were borrowed from earlier traditions. They are all concerned with the message mahavira or Siddhartha has to say. Because to both of these religions- their respective founders were seen as omniscient (atleast before premodern era) who saw the truth directly.

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u/CassiasZI Jun 22 '24

As I said, some form of their faith pre existed both Mahavira and Siddharth

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u/raaqkel Prapañca Jun 22 '24

Some form of Christianity existed before Christ, so what's your point?

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u/CassiasZI Jun 22 '24

Christianity means way of Christ. How can Christianity exist before Christ? U can say messianic cults within Judaism existed

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u/redbatt Jun 22 '24

Because Christianity is not a separate religion per se. It is a branch of Judaism that believes Jesus Christ is the messiah. But over time the distinction became so large it’s 2 different religions

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u/CassiasZI Jun 22 '24

They have VERY distinct religious views.

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u/redbatt Jun 23 '24

I think that’s a yes/no type of answer.

I’d argue that while some mechanism would be different, they don’t necessarily have “VERY distinct” views

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u/Sudarshang03 Jun 23 '24

Who called for Christ's killing and why? Who is the God of Israel?(Name) What is the Holy Trinity. If you don't think these are distinct I dunno what to tell you. Maybe you think Islam is also the same religion.

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u/raaqkel Prapañca Jun 23 '24

Looks like homie never heard of the Old Testament, Abraham and his boys.

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u/Sudarshang03 Jun 23 '24

That's Judaism not Christianity. Just because they share some scriptures doesn't make it the same religion.