Deconstructing the Notion of Religiosity: Hinduism in Comparison with Islam and Christianity

Abstract Religiosity is predominantly considered as a multidimensional psychological construct and is immensely embedded in human emotion, cognition, and behavior. It has been prominent across cultures and there has been constant interplay between fear and devotion that historically shaped moral conduct, ritual practices, and social cohesion. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered individuals’ experiences of religiosity, particularly highlighting shifts in fear, moral perception, and devotional expression. This study investigates religiosity through a comparative lens, examining Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, with a specific focus on the psychological dimensions of fear and faith. Utilizing qualitative content analysis of religious texts, scholarly literature, and media accounts, the study identifies key thematic differences and similarities across the three traditions. Findings indicate that while Islam and Christianity emphasize fear as moral accountability and divine judgment, Hinduism integrates fear with karmic responsibility and diverse ritual practices. Post-pandemic shifts reveal that fear-related religiosity now extends beyond doctrinal adherence to moral uncertainty, existential concerns, and socially mediated anxieties. The study concludes that understanding these psychological mechanisms can enhance interreligious dialogue, promote moral resilience, and inform the psychology of religion in contemporary contexts.