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Critical Thinking Paper
Jacquelynn D. Steward
School of Psychology, Liberty University
RLGN-104: Christian Life and Biblical Worldview
Dr. Jarrod Stillings
October 4, 2020
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Table of Contents
Hinduism Worldview and Biblical Worldview
Introduction… ..................................................................................................................... 3
The Question of Origin ................................................................................................... 3
The Question of Identity.................................................................................................. 3
The Question of Meaning/Purpose .................................................................................. 4
The Question of Morality................................................................................................. 4
The Question of Destiny ................................................................................................ 5
Conclusion… ............................................................................................................................. 5
References .................................................................................................................................. 6
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Hinduism Worldview and Biblical Worldview
Different religions across the world bring many different viewpoints to the questions of
origin, identity, meaning, morality, and destiny. Focusing on Hinduism Worldview and Biblical
Worldview, we will be able to compare and contrast their viewpoints on each of these popular
topics.
Origin of the Universe
In Hinduism, one will find that the Hindu religion falls under the description of
pantheism. “Pantheism involve reverence for the Universe rather than for any creator being or
personal God” (Weider, 2015). The origin of the universe for those who believe in Hinduism falls
under the thought of the Universe having always existed. They believe that the universe is in a
cycle that continues and all things on earth happen for a reason. “Everything goes through a
cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth until one reaches a state of nirvana, which is a passionless
state of oneness with everything in the universe” (Weider,2015). The Christian Worldview takes
a different standpoint in the belief that the world was created by God and all things that happen
are because of God. Isaiah 45:18 (ESV) says “For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens
(he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he
formed it to be inhabited!):“I am the LORD, and there is no other.” Christians believe that God
has always existed and always will exist.
Identity of Humans
Identity of humans is an important concept to grasp under the beliefs that you defend and
represent. Those who chose Hinduism believe that “Historical pantheism teaches that man's soul
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is eternal and when she or he eventually reaches a state of nirvana, their soul (Atman) will
become one with Brahman (Hinduism's concept of eternal soul)” (Weider,2015). Those who
believe in Hinduism also believe that God and the Universe are one in the same. Thus, meaning
all things are of equal value. The Christian Worldview again holds a different viewpoint than
that of Hinduism Worldview. Christians believe that humans are a creation by God, made for the
purpose of spreading his gospel. Although this does not make humans more important than all
other living things on earth. “We maintain that God is personal and is differentiated from other
beings, from nature, and from the universe. This is in contrast to other worldviews that say God
is in a part of the world, creating a continual process, and the process itself is God—or becoming
God” (Dockery, Shaping a Christian Worldview).
The Purpose of Humanity
Humanity’s purpose is defended by Hinduism Worldview in the belief that “In Hinduism,
life is to be viewed as maya or illusion. Like a dream or a mirage, our life and everything around
us does not really exist as we know it” (Weider, 2015). While Christian Worldview is that the
purpose of Humanity is to spread the love of God to everyone that they encounter in life. You can
read this in John 13:34-35 (ESV) “34A new commandment I give to you, that you love one
another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.35By this all people will know
that you ar my disciples, if you love for one another”.
Morality Defined
Morality is defined by what is right and wrong. However, we are very aware that what is
right and wrong varies in each religion and even from person to person. Hinduism Worldview
defines morality as “everything is god and god is everything, morality and ethics (in a practical
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sense) are how one should act toward itself’ (Weider,2015). Meaning that they must treat all
things such as plants, animals, and humans with the same respect. Christian Worldview holds a
likeness in its beliefs of morality. “Christians and Jews refer to these imperatives as the Ten
Commandments. Over the centuries people have applied the specific laws to their lives and
adjusted them as society evolved.” (Stauffer,2011). Christians tend to believe that right and
wrong can be determined by reading the word of God, specifically the Ten Commandments.
They use this as a guidebook for morality.
Destiny of the afterlife
Life after death plays a huge part in the religion that one believes in. The view of destiny
by the Hinduism is “a person reincarnates into another life-form after death” (Hindson,2016).
Hinduism believes in many different Gods, allowing them to take on many different beliefs in
their religion. Christians believe that the afterlife only holds two options. That of descending to
heaven or to hell for an eternity. This can only be decided by God after ones attempt to live their
life according to God’s word.
Conclusion
Although Hinduism and Christianity hold many different worldviews, they also have
some likenesses. Both worldviews hold opinions on each origin, identity, purpose, morality and
destiny. These beliefs for each worldview are what make up a religion and how they live their
life according to their beliefs.
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References
David S. Dockery. Shaping a Christian Worldview: An introduction (part 1). Retrieved by
https://www.uu.edu/centers/faculty/teaching/article.cfm?ID=364
English Standard Version Bible (ESV). All Bible verses are referenced to ESV unless
otherwise noted.
John D. Stauffer (2011) The Moral and ethical influence by the Christian faith
community upon the non-Christian population of Harney County, Oregon. George Fox
University. Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
referer=https://www.google.com/&httpsredir=1&article=1008&context=dmin
Lew Weider (2015). (pgs. 63, 66, 69, 71). Finding Your Worldview: Thinking Christianly
about the World, Revised Ed. B&H Academic. Retrieved from
https://app.wordsearchbible.lifeway.com]
