How Christianity Shapes Our Morality: Comparative history to Christianity

The transcript explores the impact of Western Christendom on global perceptions of secularism and religion, particularly in India. It discusses how European languages carry Christian assumptions, influencing non-Western societies. The British in India constructed Hinduism as a religion, imposing Western religious frameworks. This led to India's secular state post-independence, despite secularism being an alien concept. The rise of Hindu nationalism is seen as a reaction to these imposed ideas.

What is a key characteristic of secularism as discussed in the context of Western Christendom?

• It is unique to Western Christendom.

• It originated in South Asia.

• It has no connection to language.

• It is a universal concept found in all cultures.

How did the British perceive religion in India during their rule?

• As a concept that needed to be constructed.

• As a non-existent concept.

• As a well-defined concept similar to Christianity.

• As a concept that was superior to Christianity.

What did the British construct in India that was patterned on Christianity?

• A new language.

• A secular government.

• A religion called Hinduism.

• A new economic system.

What was the outcome of India's independence in terms of its state structure?

• It became a secular state.

• It adopted a monarchy.

• It became a religious state.

• It remained under British rule.

What is one way the process of Christianization occurred in India according to the text?

• Through economic reforms.

• Through secularization.

• Through military conquest.

• Through cultural festivals.

What is the reaction in India to the notion of secularism and Hinduism as a religion?

• A reaction against these notions.

• Complete adoption without question.

• Indifference and neglect.

• Acceptance and integration.

What metaphor is used to describe the unrecognized influence of Western concepts on Indian culture?

• A ship in a storm.

• A fish out of water.

• A bird in a cage.

• Goldfish in a bowl.