Hindu Texts

Rig Veda-

   The Rig Veda is the oldest of the four collections of hymns. These hymns are dedicated to Rigvedic deities. The verses in the Rig Veda are recited in ceremonies like weddings and religious prayers. The Rig Veda contains 1,028 hymns.

Sama Veda-

   The Sama Veda is the Veda of melodies and chants. The Sama Veda is the widely studied Chandogya Upanishad and Kenna Upanishad known as the primary Upanishad. The Sam Veda has 1,549 verses

Yajur Veda-

   The Yajur Veda is an ancient Hindu scripture devoted to the worship of Gods. It describes how religious ceremonies should be performed. The Yajur Veda has 1,017 hymns 

Atharva Veda-

   The Atharva Veda is the second oldest Indian text. The Atharva Veda did not treat Srauta rituals as its main topic. Instead it contains spells for healing illnesses, removal of demons, and love spells. The Atharva Veda contains 730 hymns.


Indulgences

   The practice of indulgence was a way of reducing the punishment of sins that one would undergo in the after life. The practice of indulgence was believed to reduce the punishment for sin temporarily but it did not have an effect eternally. Indulgences were introduced to allow the severe penances of the early church and granted at the intercession of Christians awaiting martyrdom or imprisoned for the faith.

   Martin Luther objected indulgences because the church was basically stealing from the Catholic people. Martin Luther also stated that the indulgences could not be theologically proved therefore it was not believable.


The Hajj

   The Hajj is the Islam's most cared site. During the Hajj pilgrimage people travel the the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca and do a series of rituals. The rituals are believed to bring the muslims humility and unity. The Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for muslims that must be carried out once in there lifetime.