Sikhism Research Paper

Jocelyn L. Powell

Professor Tyler Smoot

Religion 100-M01

07 December 2017

Sikhism

While researching sources pertaining to Sikhism, I came across many authors who published literary works regarding Sikhism; particularly novels, scholarly journals, newspapers, and articles. These authors often concluded that Sikhism is one of the youngest religions known to the world’s most major religions. It originated under the influence of Guru Nanak in the Punjab area of South Asia, which now falls into the countries India and Pakistan. It is a monotheistic religion slightly different from Hinduism. My goal in this paper is to enlighten my readers with facts about Sikhism including its origin, its similarities and differences with other religions, and its

It originated under the teaching of Guru Nanak in Punjab, India. Guru Nanak was born in 1469. His teachings reflected honesty, compassion, social commitment, and respect for other religions. Those who accepted Nanak’s teachings were known as the first Sikhs. Some may ask what is a “Sikh” or what does it means to be a Sikh. Thus, “Followers of the Sikh religion “Sikhism” are called Sikhs, a term meaning disciple or learner” (Singh 147). There are approximately 20 million people following the teachings of Sikhism. After the death of Guru Nanak nine successful gurus followed his enlightenment and continued spreading his teaching founding the core beliefs of Sikhism. Sikhism is mostly dominant in the countries India, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Sikhs were said to first arrive in the United States during the 19th century. However, After the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, Sikhs became the “primary target of Anti-Muslims attacks” (Joshi

However, they still differ tremendously from these religions as well. Sikhism and Christianity can be similar in one way because they both practice monotheism. Both religions believe that the human body is a replica of God which is why they both choose to stay away from certain things such as alcohol and drugs. Another similarity is they both believe that “God created his people so that we as human will commit ourselves to get closer to him” (Jones 74). Both religions believe in sharing. Christianity is very big on stressing the issue of helping the poor, widows, and orphans. Both religions followers must give ten percent of their incomes. As Christians, we give our through “Tithes” while Sikhs give theirs through charitable works. Despite the similarities these two-religious group share, they are still different. Christianity surrounds its teachings around Jesus saying he is the only son of God. However, Sikhism do not feel as if Jesus is the only son of God as we are all children of God. The scripture between the two religions are different as well. The Sikhism scripture “Guru Granth Sahib” is mostly a hymnbook than a series of guidelines of how one should live their life. People can interpret this book different in so many ways. However, the Holy Bible, which is Christians sacred text consists more of teachings and God’s word and what God expects from us as his