Source: newsweek.washingtonpost.com
USA, August 11, 2010: [HPI note: The Washington Post’s “On Faith” blog has started a discussion about Julia Roberts professing her Hindu faith. You can post a comment, and read other people’s opinions, at the source above.]
Julia Roberts has long been called America’s sweetheart. But is America ready for a Hindu sweetheart? Roberts’ embrace of the faith that inspired the enlightenment of Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert puts her far outside the American mainstream in terms of religious affiliation: 78 percent of Americans identify as Christian; only about 2 million people define themselves as Hindu. But Roberts’ seek-and-ye-shall-find spirituality is actually quite reflective of American religious practice: 44 percent of Americans currently identify with a different religious tradition than the one in which they were raised.
[Here are some of the comments:]
“I think this is fantastic. Yet another reason for me to love her. However being non-Indian and practicing Hinduism is by no means a new thing” Posted By: Gsch216
“Dear Julia, You are an embodiment of Hindu philosophy and culture. Non-violent, non-oppressive without any demands of daily prayers and the like, Hinduism is a way of life that respects all forms of life. May your tribe grow.” Posted By: Shovandas
“People are free to change their religion. That is what America is all about.” Posted By: Ak1967
“Sorry if I find it hard to take her conversion seriously. Maybe if her announcing this did not coincide with a movie, I would find it more credible.It strikes me as an attempt to appear unique and get attention.” Posted By: Michele79
“Hinduism is immensely rich religion. The Upanishads and Gita are the ultimate in human intellectualism. To those who try to belittle Hinduism by citing caste and sati fail to understand that these do not reflect the soul of Hinduism.” Posted By: Centerglobal