Hindu Lite
Hindu Lite: Pop Culture plays fast and loose with an ancient faith
(Adapted from an article in USA TODAY, Thursday, February 16, 2006 by Cathy Lynn Grossman)
”Pop culture is veering into Hinduism – sort of. Call it a Hindu-esque sampling of the flavor, images and style of a 6,000 year old faith but with no actual theology involved.” Whether in shows like the old Dharma & Greg or the NBC hit show My Name Is Earl , there’s much emphasis on karma. Alicia Keys sings a song called Karma. But as a Hindu writer states, it isn’t karma. Yoga, an old Hindu discipline is the going thing today. Hindu writers are upset because the pop culture is taking elements of their faith and watering them down. They feel they are being misrepresented by the western take on Hinduism.
Application
It seems Christians aren’t the only ones who are being misunderstood and misrepresented by Hollywood. As Vance Havner said, “I would rather hear a gangster lecture on honesty than see Hollywood portray the Bible.” The truth is, we should never depend on anyone outside our faith to declare, interpret or communicate our faith. Spirituality in Hollywood is a mixed bag that looks like hash instead of prime rib. I don’t eat hash at home because I know what’s in it. I don’t eat it when I’m away from home because I don’t know what’s in it. If you are waiting for Hollywood or popular culture to get it right on ANYTHING, especially religion, you will be waiting a long time.
2ProphetU is an online magazine/website, started by Warren Wiersbe and Michael Catt, to build up the church, seek revival, and encourage pastors.
