Jainism and Buddhism: Are They Fundamentally Atheistic Religions?

Religion seems inherently tied to the concept of a divine being or supreme power. However, this notion becomes more complex when examining religions like Jainism and Buddhism. These philosophies often do not fit neatly into the confines of theistic or atheistic categories. Let's explore the nuances that make Jainism and Buddhism unique.

Defining Atheism and Atheistic Religion

According to Google, an atheist is defined as someone who does not believe in the existence of a god. An atheistic religion, then, would be a group of people who share a similar disbelief in the existence of a god and form a shared belief system. This definition forms the basis for our exploration of Jainism and Buddhism.

Jainism and Hinduism: Polytheism vs. Theism

Hinduism, one of the oldest religions in the world, is polytheistic, meaning it believes in a multitude of deities. These include Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva, who together form the Trimurti responsible for creation, upkeep, and destruction, respectively. Hinduism also recognizes a vast pantheon of other gods and goddesses. This is in stark contrast to Jainism, which, unlike Hinduism, does not place definitive emphasis on a creator or destroyer god. Rather, Jainism focuses on the concept of non-creationism, where the universe and its components have always existed.

Jainism and the Role of Bhagwan

Jainism considers the concept of Bhagwan (enlightened beings) to be essential, but these are individuals who have achieved liberation or Nirvana through their own efforts and good karma. Unlike the pantheon of Hindu deities, Jainism views Bhagwan as individuals who have transcended the cycle of birth and rebirth and achieved spiritual perfection. This contrast helps clarify why Jainism is often mistakenly perceived as an atheistic religion.

Understanding the Non-Creator God Concept in Jainism

One of the key points of differentiation in Jainism is its rejection of a creator or controller, represented by phrases like "God is the creator, controller, and destroyer." Instead, Jainism emphasizes the non-intervention of Bhagwan in worldly affairs. Bhagwan are described as emotionless, free souls with no power or weaknesses. This perspective aligns more closely with the concept of non-creationism, where the universe operates according to natural laws rather than divine intervention.

Role of Karma in Jainism

In Jainism, the concept of Karma plays a central role. Jain philosophy holds that every action has consequences, but these consequences are governed by natural laws rather than divine will. This is evident in the famous passage from the Bible and the Quran, which emphasize a divine Creator and Commander. In contrast, Jainism attributes the outcomes of actions to the principles of karma, which operate independently of divine intervention.

Non-Interference and Individual Responsibility

The non-interference of Bhagwan in worldly affairs is a core tenet of Jainism. This belief fosters a sense of individual responsibility and moral accountability. It suggests that the outcomes of actions, whether good or bad, are a result of personal karma rather than divine will. This perspective aligns more closely with the idea of moral causality than divine omnipotence.

Contrasting Christianity and Jainism

For example, in Christian theology, the line from Revelation 22:13 stresses the omnipotence of God as the ultimate controller of all things. On the other hand, Jainism emphasizes the autonomy of individuals and their actions, as highlighted by the passage from Genesis. Both perspectives offer contrasting views on the role of a supreme being in the world.

Conclusion

While Jainism and Buddhism often appear to challenge traditional theistic frameworks, this should not be interpreted as atheism. These religions see the world through the lens of non-creationism and the principles of karma. Understanding these perspectives helps clarify why Jainism and Buddhism are better classified as non-theistic rather than atheistic religions. The emphasis on individual responsibility and moral causality, rather than divine intervention, is what sets Jainism apart from many theistic traditions.