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Definition:
The Arya Samaj is a "back to the Vedas" movement which developed in Hinduism
due to the efforts of Dyananda Sarasvati in 1875. Although it owes its existence
to Christian missionary activity, it is expressly hostile to Christianity and one
of its goals is to re-convert Indians away from Christianity and back to Hinduism.
Arya Samaj retains traditional Hindu beliefs in reincarnation and karma, but it rejection worship of idols and argues that Hinduism is, in essence, monotheistic. This is based upon the idea that the various ancient Hindu gods are really just manifestations of the One God, Brahman.
Dyananda was very nationalistic in his outlook, with his movement being partially a reaction to the rise of nationalism in India and partially a cause of it.
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Related Resources:
What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism? For that matter, what is and is not a religion?What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear.
