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Mario, Yes one can be a Hindu and not believe in God. I believed this to be so, but nevertheless, consulted three academics on the telephone who felt they were Hindu by identity and culture even though dismissive of caste and God. I had also read about this issue previously in books on Hinduism, where invariably, Hinduism was described as a way of life more so than a religion, notwithstanding a plethora of Gods rather than just one. I also claim that a non believer in God is perfectly able to write about religious issues, often, more insightfully, as they are no longer encumbered by a faith in God. Indeed, some excellent books on religion have been written by non believers in God or lapsed believers for that matter, including former priests and nuns and there are hell of a lot of such non believers in the world today. Similarly, I think it would be possible to be brought up a Catholic and be one culturally without continuing to accept that there is a God. I am tentative about this specific point but I am sure other better informed Goanetters could throw more light on this issue. Minimally, Mario, you were wrong on at least one aspect of your reply to my genuine (non feigned) query. The bigger question now is whether you can accept that you were wrong? Cornel ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mario Goveia" <mgoveia@ > Can you call yourself a Hindu if you don't believe in > God? Can you call yourself a Catholic if you don't > believe in God? No, you can't.