Professor Ulrich
THEO 424
12/21/16
Introduction
*** In this paper, I will be discussing the history, beliefs and challenges of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) religious movement and how it presents arising issues to Christianity and Judaism. This is an important topic to address because the ISKCON movement has been gaining more followers all over the world since it started in 1966. This movement now has over 600 temples, 60 farm communities, 50 schools and 90 restaurants across the world(ISKCON 2). Since this movement is gaining a larger presence with each passing year, it is important to know what their beliefs are and some of the reactions from well-educated scholars. This will allow us to be able to truly …show more content…
While, the rise of the Indian participation saved the movement, it didn’t stop the criticism completely. The major criticisms ISKCON still face to this day are legitimacy, discipline, brainwashing/kidnapping and religious teachings. On the criticism of religious teachings, John Saliba said, “ISKCON is a religion of incredible myths and fantastic doctrines which are irrational and primitive… Its beliefs are inconsistent…and its philosophy unrealistic, unintelligible and absurd…It is nothing but a 'religion of despair’”(footnote). Another religious writer with the last named of Merton had this to say about ISKCON, “ It lacks the inner depth of an authentic metaphysical consciousness”(book citation). Many attackers also claim that ISKCON worships Satan and that Krishna is Satan and they also say that ISKCON has no real scripture to back them up. ISKCON has tried its best to convince the critics that it is a legit religion by referring back to its Hinduism roots, but it hasn’t been enough for many. While there any many who agree and disagree with what the authors said above I feel that unless there are major changes to the religion and its teachings/beliefs, these arguments are never going to go away. The criticism of discipline explains that ISKCON is to disciplined to its followers. ISKCON devotees follow very strict rules. Some of the stricter rules are, they can never eat meat or fish, they cant drink anything with alcohol or even caffeine in it, there is no gambling or illicit sex and lastly, no mental speculation about the philosophy. The criticism about the movement brainwashing and kidnapping is probably their biggest and most serious criticism. There have been multiple cases and reports of ISKCON members taking children from their parents and manipulating the child’s thoughts and teachings to get them to join ISKCON, even some of the high ranking gurus that their leader
THEO 424
12/21/16
Introduction
*** In this paper, I will be discussing the history, beliefs and challenges of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) religious movement and how it presents arising issues to Christianity and Judaism. This is an important topic to address because the ISKCON movement has been gaining more followers all over the world since it started in 1966. This movement now has over 600 temples, 60 farm communities, 50 schools and 90 restaurants across the world(ISKCON 2). Since this movement is gaining a larger presence with each passing year, it is important to know what their beliefs are and some of the reactions from well-educated scholars. This will allow us to be able to truly …show more content…
While, the rise of the Indian participation saved the movement, it didn’t stop the criticism completely. The major criticisms ISKCON still face to this day are legitimacy, discipline, brainwashing/kidnapping and religious teachings. On the criticism of religious teachings, John Saliba said, “ISKCON is a religion of incredible myths and fantastic doctrines which are irrational and primitive… Its beliefs are inconsistent…and its philosophy unrealistic, unintelligible and absurd…It is nothing but a 'religion of despair’”(footnote). Another religious writer with the last named of Merton had this to say about ISKCON, “ It lacks the inner depth of an authentic metaphysical consciousness”(book citation). Many attackers also claim that ISKCON worships Satan and that Krishna is Satan and they also say that ISKCON has no real scripture to back them up. ISKCON has tried its best to convince the critics that it is a legit religion by referring back to its Hinduism roots, but it hasn’t been enough for many. While there any many who agree and disagree with what the authors said above I feel that unless there are major changes to the religion and its teachings/beliefs, these arguments are never going to go away. The criticism of discipline explains that ISKCON is to disciplined to its followers. ISKCON devotees follow very strict rules. Some of the stricter rules are, they can never eat meat or fish, they cant drink anything with alcohol or even caffeine in it, there is no gambling or illicit sex and lastly, no mental speculation about the philosophy. The criticism about the movement brainwashing and kidnapping is probably their biggest and most serious criticism. There have been multiple cases and reports of ISKCON members taking children from their parents and manipulating the child’s thoughts and teachings to get them to join ISKCON, even some of the high ranking gurus that their leader