Throughout the span of time humans have questioned many aspects of our existence, such as why we are here, what our purpose is and is there a greater plan? There is a shortcoming for the answers to these questions, therefore we look to religion for answers of the unknown. I truly believe it is the enticement of a higher power that makes us feel resolved with the puzzle of our existence. Believing that there is a being or force greater than us gives us comfort because we can sort all of the previously unknown into the "God file" and suddenly be more okay with not knowing because this thing has/is the answer. This is an example of how the belief in a God affects our lives and I am going to explore the religions of Hinduism, Shintoism, and Sikhism and compare and contrast the way "God" affects the people of that religion and what roles their God fulfill.
We first must understand that the reference of God is a subjective term for the individual or religious organization, it may be used to acknowledge an entity or a essence and it may speak of one God, many Gods or one God that is many, these will be the basis for monotheism, polytheism, and pantheism. God takes many forms, shapes and names but shares similar characteristics and attributes from religion to religion. Similarities include eternal existence, omnipotence, omnipresence and is known to be both incorporeal and personified. Our first stop is the monotheistic religion of Sikhism. The Sikhs concept of "God" is the mysterious entity Ik Onkar, "There is but one all pervading spirit, and truth is it's name! It exists in all creation; it does not fear; it does not hate; it is timeless and universal and self-existent, You will come to know it through seeking knowledge and learning!" (Guru Granth Sahib, line 1) it is the also described as without form, genderless, and a creator of worlds and life forms.
Hinduism is not strictly a religion. ... Hinduism is founded on the existence of a single God manifest in hundreds of forms. ... Sikhism combines aspects of Islam and Hinduism but rejects the caste system. Sikhism is mainly found in Punjab. ... Hare Krishna believers believe in the Hindu god Krishna as the single God. ...
