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Laura Darlington
Dr. Kevin Rawls
RLGN 104
22 June 2020
Hinduism
I Origins
Researchers believe that Hinduism began somewhere between 2500 B.C. and 1500 B.C.
in the Indus Valley. However, some people believe that Hinduism has just always existed and it
has evolved into different variations over many centuries based on culture. Hinduism does not
have a “founder” like other religions, so pinpointing a start time is not possible.
Unlike Christianity where they believe in one god, Hindus believe that there are several
gods. Both Christianity and Hinduism support the belief that the world and all living things exist
because of god, but Hindus believe Brahma to be the creator of all existence and the world.
II Identity
Hindus believe that all living things are important and are of equal values, as does
Christianity. Both view all life forms as an important part of the universe. However, most Hindu
take things a few steps further. After all, they don't eat beef because they view cows as sacred
animals, therefore many Hindus are vegetarians.
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Christians believe humans are created in god's likeness and that God has a purpose for
all of his children, “I call to God Most High, to God, who completes his plans for me.”(Psalm
57.2 Bible Gateway) However, Hindus believe that one's actions and life decide your current
and future, and our soul is eternal, and when you reach Atman (nirvana), your soul will become
one with Brahman.
III Purpose and Meaning
In Christianity, the purpose of humanity was to share the word of God and his plan. To
learn the truth and repent our sins, so we may celebrate his divine existence. To eventually
have our soul spend all of eternity with God in heaven. As in Hinduisms, they believe in four key
concepts that bring purpose and meaning to life, "Dharma", a lifelong duty of righteousness
and virtue. "Artha" is the pursuit of prosperity and wealth while staying ethical. "Karma", a
cosmic law of cause and effect. "Moksha" is enlightenment or a self-revelation that happens
after death and stops the rebirthing process (Samsara). Which could happen in one lifetime or
take several to achieve. However, until moksha is achieved you will continue to be reborn and
face the karma from our previous lifetime while searching for salvation. Both Biblical worldview
and Hindu purpose are to find peace and salvation, the only difference is the process on how to
get there.
IV Morality
Whether it Christianity or Hindu, both religions have subjective views of what they consider
to be morally correct, right or wrong, good or evil, but the way both religions go about it is
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quite different. Christianity believes that morality is determined by the bible that was written
by god disciples to tell us what is morally acceptable. However, believing that your virtue is
right at all times is considered self-righteous and sinful because no one is considered perfect
other than God. Therefore, you are a sinner and need to ask for forgiveness for your sins and
continuously repent. As in Hindu, one of their principal concepts is that your actions and
thoughts reflect your current and future life. Being ethically prosperous as well as righteous
with virtue sums up Dharma, Artha, and Karma. So when you're going through the Doctrine of
Samsara (Cycle of birth, death, and rebirth) you can eventually get to the state of Moksha
(enlightenment) to stop the cycle and find Nirvana (Atman) with Brahman (God of all creation).
Hindu concepts contradict Christianity's beliefs on God and how to find enlightenment and
absolution.
V Destiny
Christians believe their destiny is determined while still on earth if they choose to repent and
declare god as their savior. Those who accept God and repent are rewarded with his eternal
presence in heaven; those who do not are separated from God and punished in hell. Hindu on
the other hand believes you make your destiny through Karma. Depending on your virtue and
ethics you may have good karma which after death will allow you to either reach nirvana or
move up on the caste system ( A Strict Social Hierarchy). If you have bad karma you will start
over the cycle of Samsara and be reborn in a lower caste or as an animal. You will continue to
live, die, and be reborn into either an upper or lower caste till your soul is noble enough to
finally reach moksha and spend eternity with Brahman in nirvana.
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Word count: 723
Works Cited
Psalm 57:2 - Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Psalm 57:2.
Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs at Georgetown University. “Hinduism and
Religious Freedom: A Sourcebook of Scriptural, Theological, and Legal Texts.” Berkley Center For
Religion, Peace and World Affairs,
berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/publications/hinduism-and-religious-freedom-a-sourcebook-of-
scriptural-theological-and-legal-texts.
Brandon. “Comparison Christianity and Hinduism.” AllAboutReligion.org, All About Religion, 15 July
2005, www.allaboutreligion.org/comparison-christianity-and-hinduism-faq.htm.
“Hinduism.” Religious Literacy Project, 24 Feb. 2018, rlp.hds.harvard.edu/religions/hinduism.
“Hinduism and Buddhism, an Introduction (Article).” Khan Academy, Khan Academy,
www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/introduction-cultures-religions-apah/hinduis
m-apah/a/hinduism-and-buddhism-an-introduction.
History.com Editors. “Hinduism.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 6 Oct. 2017,
www.history.com/topics/religion/hinduism#:~:text=Origins of Hinduism, -Most scholars
believe&text=Unlike other religions, Hinduism has, people .
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“Religions - Hinduism: History of Hinduism.” BBC, BBC,
www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/history/history_1.shtml.
United Church of God. “God's Purpose for Mankind.” United Church of God, 14 Jan. 2011,
www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/fundamental-beliefs-of-the-united-church-of-god/god
s-purpose-for-mankind.
Weider, Lew, and Gutiérrez Ben. Para Considerar: Un Analisis De La Cosmovision Biblica. B &
H Pub. Group, 20
