HINDUISM AND ROMANISM

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 16, 1896

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 16.

HINDUISM AND ROMANISM.

In much of its teaching Romanism is far more pagan than Christian; for, tho Roman Catholics believe in Christ, it is not the Christ of the Gospel, but either a wafer god manufactured by the priests, or a stern judge ready to punish the guilty (in the same way that the Hindus regard many of their gods), and only to be approached through his tender-hearted mother, or some other merciful saint or intercessor.

The following comparison in the Missionary Herald (Baptist) is from a letter by Mrs. T. R. Edwards, of Serampore College:—

HINDUS	ROMAN CATHOLICS
are subject to the Brahmans, on whom they rely in the performance of all religious rites, and whom they are taught to reverence and bow down to.	are under the power of the priests, by whom they are taught exactly what they must believe, and through whom they receive forgiveness of sins and all the benefits of religion.
Are not allowed (except Brahmans) to read the sacred books; these may only be read and explained to them by the priests.	As a rule are forbidden to read the Bible, which the priests alone may read and explain.
Regard Sanskrit as the religious language; it is used in worship and ceremonies, tho not understood by the people.	Regard Latin as the sacred language; it is used in worship, tho unknown to the majority of the people.
Bathe in the Ganges and certain sacred rivers to wash away sins.	Are taught that they are regenerated by water in baptism.
Use Ganges water in various religious ceremonies.	Use holy water in the churches.
Bow down to and utter prayers before idols.	Bow down to and say prayers before images and pictures.
Dress the idols in fine and showy and sometimes costly raiment.	Clothe the images of saints in gorgeous apparel.
At certain festivals have great processions, carrying the idols.	At certain festivals in Roman Catholic countries have great processions, in which sacred images are carried.
Pray to various gods and goddesses.	Pray to saints and angels, and especially to the Virgin Mary.
Offer sacrifices.	Offer the sacrifice of the Mass.
Say that when the priest utters certain words, the image they have made becomes alive by the indwelling of the deity invoked.	Say that when the priest utters certain words, the wafer becomes the very Christ.
Are taught that there is a great merit in making pilgrimages to various sacred places and shrines.	Are taught that it is meritorious to go on pilgrimages to Rome and other sacred places.
Believe that at certain shrines miracles of healing are performed by this or that god.	Believe that at certain churches and places miracles of healing are performed by this or that saint.
Have great faith in amulets and charms as a protection against various misfortunes.	Wear medals blessed by the pope as charms against misfortunes.
Are enjoined to fast on certain occasions.	Observe prescribed fasts.
Count beads in repeating the names of gods and goddesses, to invoke their assistance.	Count beads in saying prayers, especially to Mary.
Use lighted lamps in certain ceremonies, even in daylight.	Use lighted candles in religious worship, even in daylight.
Use incense in worship.	Use incense in worship.
Some priests (chiefly a wandering order) are not allowed to marry.	Priests are not allowed to marry.
Some Hindu religious orders consider that the highest ideal here is the extinction of all desire and all feeling, such as joy, sorrow, hunger, pain.	The aims and ideal of monks and nuns is to become like a corpse in the hand of the superior.
When death is imminent, they are taken to the riverside, and the face smeared with the sacred mud of the Ganges.	When death is imminent, they send for the priest to administer extreme unction, which includes anointing parts of the body with oil.
After the death of relatives, in order to assist the spirit in the next world, they perform Shraddha; it consists of various ceremonies, and especially large presents to the priests.	After the death of relatives, in order to liberate the spirit from purgatory, and take it to heaven, they pay considerable sums to the priests for masses to be performed.

Comparison might also be made between

Romanism and Buddhism, as there is much in common, as the veneration of relics, forbidding priests to marry, large houses of monks and nuns, etc.