I have been a Hindu most of my life yet I am also very drawn to the LDS church. I am wondering if it is possible to continue to practice elements from one’s past religion (such as worshipping various deities such as Vishnu/Krishna and singing devotional songs of praise to them) and still be a member of the church. Would one be allowed to attend services at Hindu temples? Any advice would be most appreciated. Thank you so much!
4 Responses to “I have been a Hindu most of my life yet I am also very drawn…”
Jorge Prado
2010-06-26 19:55:44
Mormon Christianity is growing rapidly in India.
Hi Nischala, What an interesting question! I've actually thought about Mormonism and Hinduism a lot and even considered writing a blog article comparing the two, though I never did get around to it. Mormonism is clearly a Christian religion, but of all Christian religions I think it is arguably the most Hindu-like. I think it would not be difficult to see certain Hindu beliefs through a Mormon lens. Let me give a few examples. Please feel free to correct me if I've misunderstood any Hindu beliefs.
Hindus believe in nirvana, a final state where the soul becomes one with God. The Mormon concept of exaltation is somewhat similar. Mormons believe that, under God's guidance, we can become one in purpose with Him after death, though we will retain our identities as individuals.
Hindus see the existence of the soul as passing through various reincarnations. Mormons don't believe in reincarnation, but we also believe the soul passes through various stages, which we sometimes metaphorically call "lives." Our existence prior to birth is sometimes called the "pre-mortal life," our current mortal existence is sometimes called the "mortal life," and the next life after death is sometimes called the "post-mortal life."
Hindus have a concept called karma that is similar in some ways to the Mormon/Christian concept of divine justice.
As you can see, Mormons believe many Hindu doctrines have some elements of truth. If you were to join the LDS Church, these doctrines could be easily adapted to the Mormon framework. As the late President Gordon B. Hinckley, the worldwide leader of the LDS Church, once said, "We recognize the good in all churches. We recognize the value of religion generally... We invite [those of other faiths] to come and learn from us, to see if we can add to [the true teachings you've already received] and enhance your life and your understanding of things sacred and divine."
The Book of Mormon has been translated into many languages.
Some other aspects of Hinduism may not be literally true, but could contain metaphorical truths. For example, if you were to join the LDS Church, you'd certainly want to share with your children stories from the Bible and Book of Mormon. While stories from the Vedas are not given the weight of scripture in the LDS tradition, it would still be appropriate to share Hindu stories with your children as valuable cultural parables that illustrate true principles.
Other aspects of Hinduism are more cultural than theological. I'm referring to things like vegetarianism, the beautiful Hindu dances I've seen, Hindu dress and food, etc. These cultural aspects of Hinduism are entirely compatible with Mormonism. In fact, bringing these cultural elements into the LDS Church would enrich Mormon culture and would make you a very interesting Mormon! :)
Finally, there are those aspects of Hinduism that are theologically incompatible with Mormonism. For example, Mormons are monotheistic. While stories about Vishnu and Krishna may have some elements of allegorical truth, it would not be appropriate for a Mormon to worship these Hindu deities. You'd have to be the judge of whether or not singing about these deities constitutes worship. Perhaps it would depend on your state of mind.
As a latter-day saint, it would be very important for you to attend the LDS Church as often as you can. Mormons are very communitarian; worship in community is an important part of being a member of the Church. Does that mean you could never attend a Hindu temple? Not necessarily. It would be inappropriate to attend a Hindu temple for the purpose of worshiping a god other than the Godhead/Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost). However, I think it would be fine to attend a Hindu temple occasionally, perhaps on holidays, as a cultural rather than a theological practice. If/when you have children, it would be good to visit a Hindu temple with them at least once so they can learn about their fascinating Hindu heritage. Let that unique heritage enrich their Mormonism.
There is a Hare Krishna temple in Utah that I once attended. I didn't go to worship Hindu deities, but I had an Indian friend and I wanted to celebrate her culture. Visiting the Hindu temple was a fascinating experience! I later learned that the LDS Church had even helped to finance the construction of that temple as a show of solidarity with our Hindu brothers and sisters.
Pamela Dean
2010-06-21 12:38:30
Latter day saints believe in worshipping one true God and his son Jesus Christ. So, the short answer would be that it would be incorrect to continue worshipping other Gods. However, this does notmean giving up all culturally based religious activities. For example, I grew up in the Anglican Church, and sometimes go to that church with my grandmother and my parents. When I do go, I carefully and prayerfully look at the various elements of the service. I take part in the parts that I agree with and that align with my LDS faith, and quietly omit those parts that do fit my beliefs. One such part is when the congregation recites the Apostles Creed. There is one part that mentions a belief "in one holy, catholic and apostolic church". That's not what I believe, so I leave it out. I would invite you to examine the various elements of your Hindu heritage and determine which ones you could still practice.
Jill
2010-08-21 23:05:24
I am Mormon and my husband is Hindu. I have loved learning about the Hindu faith through my husband and also through traveling throughout India. I have a different perspective than some of the others who have posted. I try to keep it simple. What makes you happy? What helps you to draw closer to God? I believe that God has brought different religions and spiritual leaders to the world to teach us. While I am Mormon, I go to Hindu temples with my husband to pray and meditate and I learn from the stories he tells. When I pray to the Gods, I am praying to my definition of God and my husband is praying to his definition of God. When you boil it all down, we believe in a greater being or beings and we believe we can be that some day. Follow your heart and seek out good wherever it is. I don't think you can go wrong with that..
Rmarshan
2010-06-28 04:09:25
I am LDS and I sing and dance to Hindu devotional songs all the time. I love them. Sometimes I also meditate while listening to some of those songs. Now, worshiping other deities goes against the very basic ideas of Christianity, which is to worship God the Father alone.
- Hindus believe in nirvana, a final state where the soul becomes one with God. The Mormon concept of exaltation is somewhat similar. Mormons believe that, under God's guidance, we can become one in purpose with Him after death, though we will retain our identities as individuals.
- Hindus see the existence of the soul as passing through various reincarnations. Mormons don't believe in reincarnation, but we also believe the soul passes through various stages, which we sometimes metaphorically call "lives." Our existence prior to birth is sometimes called the "pre-mortal life," our current mortal existence is sometimes called the "mortal life," and the next life after death is sometimes called the "post-mortal life."
- Hindus have a concept called karma that is similar in some ways to the Mormon/Christian concept of divine justice.
As you can see, Mormons believe many Hindu doctrines have some elements of truth. If you were to join the LDS Church, these doctrines could be easily adapted to the Mormon framework. As the late President Gordon B. Hinckley, the worldwide leader of the LDS Church, once said, "We recognize the good in all churches. We recognize the value of religion generally... We invite [those of other faiths] to come and learn from us, to see if we can add to [the true teachings you've already received] and enhance your life and your understanding of things sacred and divine."Other aspects of Hinduism are more cultural than theological. I'm referring to things like vegetarianism, the beautiful Hindu dances I've seen, Hindu dress and food, etc. These cultural aspects of Hinduism are entirely compatible with Mormonism. In fact, bringing these cultural elements into the LDS Church would enrich Mormon culture and would make you a very interesting Mormon! :)
Finally, there are those aspects of Hinduism that are theologically incompatible with Mormonism. For example, Mormons are monotheistic. While stories about Vishnu and Krishna may have some elements of allegorical truth, it would not be appropriate for a Mormon to worship these Hindu deities. You'd have to be the judge of whether or not singing about these deities constitutes worship. Perhaps it would depend on your state of mind.
As a latter-day saint, it would be very important for you to attend the LDS Church as often as you can. Mormons are very communitarian; worship in community is an important part of being a member of the Church. Does that mean you could never attend a Hindu temple? Not necessarily. It would be inappropriate to attend a Hindu temple for the purpose of worshiping a god other than the Godhead/Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost). However, I think it would be fine to attend a Hindu temple occasionally, perhaps on holidays, as a cultural rather than a theological practice. If/when you have children, it would be good to visit a Hindu temple with them at least once so they can learn about their fascinating Hindu heritage. Let that unique heritage enrich their Mormonism.
There is a Hare Krishna temple in Utah that I once attended. I didn't go to worship Hindu deities, but I had an Indian friend and I wanted to celebrate her culture. Visiting the Hindu temple was a fascinating experience! I later learned that the LDS Church had even helped to finance the construction of that temple as a show of solidarity with our Hindu brothers and sisters.