Which of the following religions listed here is generally not classified as a monotheistic religion that centres on the worship of only one god?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Hinduism

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Religions of the world can be broadly categorised as monotheistic, polytheistic, or following other belief structures. Monotheistic religions worship a single supreme god, while polytheistic traditions recognise many deities. General knowledge exams often ask candidates to distinguish between these broad classifications. This question focuses on identifying which religion in the list is not typically referred to as monotheistic.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The concept of monotheism is defined as belief in and worship of a single god.
  • The options include Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism.
  • Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism are widely described as monotheistic.
  • The task is to identify the religion that does not neatly fit the monotheistic classification.


Concept / Approach:
Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism strongly emphasise the worship of one supreme god. Christianity focuses on belief in one god expressed in the Holy Trinity. Islam is built on the core declaration that there is no god but Allah. Sikhism teaches devotion to one formless, all powerful god. Hinduism, on the other hand, has a very diverse set of beliefs, including traditions with many gods and goddesses and philosophical schools that emphasise one ultimate reality but still recognise multiple deities. For the purpose of exam classifications, Hinduism is generally considered non monotheistic.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall which religions are known for strict monotheism. Step 2: Identify Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism as religions that clearly state there is only one god. Step 3: Recognise that Hinduism includes a wide pantheon of deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, and many others. Step 4: Consider that exam questions usually treat Hinduism as polytheistic, even though certain Hindu philosophies also refer to one ultimate reality. Step 5: Conclude that Hinduism is the religion not classified as strictly monotheistic in this context.


Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative check is to think about standard textbook statements. Christianity is often introduced as a monotheistic religion based on belief in one god. Islam is explicitly monotheistic with a central emphasis on the oneness of Allah. Sikhism is presented as a monotheistic religion born in the Indian subcontinent with devotion to one god. In contrast, basic descriptions of Hinduism often mention that it has many gods and goddesses, confirming the classification difference used in general knowledge exams.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Christianity is clearly monotheistic, so it does not answer the question. Islam is also firmly monotheistic and cannot be chosen as the non monotheistic example. Sikhism, which stresses devotion to a single god, is likewise monotheistic. Choosing any of these options would contradict their widely recognised core doctrines.


Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes overcomplicate this classification by thinking about philosophical aspects within Hinduism that emphasise an ultimate singular reality. While this is a nuanced point, exam questions normally go by the simpler classification based on visible worship practices, where Hinduism is associated with many deities. Candidates should respond according to standard textbook categories rather than advanced theological interpretations when facing such questions in competitive exams.


Final Answer:
Among the listed options, the religion that is not generally classified as monotheistic is Hinduism.

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