The Importance of Gold to Religions Around the World
There is nothing more stunning than a beautifully crafted piece of fine gold jewelry, but is gold more than just pretty? Does it signify something more than just an adornment for the human body? Today we will look at religions all across the globe to see what their view of gold is and what it symbolizes to their beliefs.
Christianity
Gold is found throughout the Christian faith. From the Children of Israel gathering gold before they left Egypt all the way to the new testament where Jesus was given gold at his birth and even in throughout Revelations gold is used to symbolize wealth and the glory of God. Others will argue that gold is representative of the purity of God and his holy reign. There is even a story where Moses ground up a calf made of pure gold that the Israelites were worshiping and made them drink it to purify their iniquity. Gold is significantly important to the Christian religion.
Hinduism
Christianity is a monotheistic religion meaning one, singular god. However, in Hinduism, the polytheistic mindset means there are many gods and the religion greatly embraces gold to represent many of their gods. It is not the act of placing gold on the divine that is most important, but what it represents. Gold is representative of the opulent power of all Hindu gods and their emphasis on radiance and reverence. You will see pure gold representing inner light on Hindu god statues and representations.
Islam
In the Islamic faith gold is not used as opulence as with other religions. The unique aspect of Muslims and how they view gold is primarily based on wisdom, purity, and aspects of life Muslims strive for. As Muslims are supposed to represent humility in their daily walk, it is rare to see a person adorned with gold. Gold in the Islamic faith is reserved for their temples. Gold domes on top of temples are very common throughout the Islamic faith.
Judaism
Although Judaism and Islam are completely different religions, there are some similarities in their emphasis on gold. Like Muslims, Jewish people adorn their temples with gold to represent the purity of their deity. In the Jewish faith, and in the Christian religion, The Ark of the Covenant was completely encased in gold, therefore, their religious vessels such as candlesticks and other ornamental pieces are comprised of gold. These objects are sacred to the Jewish people.
Buddhism
Buddhists believe gold is a representation of purity and light. Not as in light from the sun, but the inner light that is said to come from a pure soul. Gold in Buddhism is also representative of Nirvana, the ultimate goal for a Buddhist. Their Buddhist statues and other religious artifacts are always covered or purely made from gold. Purity is vitally important to the Buddhist religion and gold is the embodiment of that notion.
No matter what religion you may be, gold is likely a part of it. Whether it is a symbolic piece placed on an alter or a full statue worshipped by all, gold is important to so many religions around the world.