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Madison Bloom
Dr. Dale Johnsen
RLGN 104-C03
22 March 2021
Critical Thinking Paper
The term “worldview” is used to describe someone’s perspective on life (Hindson 1).
This can include how you see and portray the world based on your cultural, religious, or
ideological assumptions of society or by having personal experiences of your own. In this essay,
we will be comparing and contrasting Hinduism worldviews versus biblical worldviews.
Hinduism is considered having a pantheistic worldview in turn meaning everything that exists is
a part of God, which is used in the sense that the universe is sacred (Weider and Gutierrez 63). A
biblical worldview is a perspective or viewpoint on life based on the teachings of the Bible
(Hindson 2).
Part One
The origin of the universe for the Hindus worldview, came from Brahman which is to be
considered an impersonal, monistic (“all is one”) force according to Halverson. Hindus also
consider Brahman to be a non-discriminatory force of existence, in which most see the universe
as being ceaseless with and prolonged from Being of Brahman. There is a personified version of
Brahman called, “Ishvara”. According to Hindu tradition, Ishvara is known as humanity through
three manifestations also known as “Trimurti” of Brahman. Those manifestations include
Brahma the creator, Vishnu also known as the preserver, and Siva the destroyer (Halverson 1).
The origin of the universe based on the biblical worldview, began when God made
heaven and earth (Genesis 1:1 NIV). The most common passages about the origin or creation of
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the universe come from the book of Genesis in the Bible. The passage tells us about how God
created heaven, earth, all the vegetation on the planet as well as animals and human beings.
Humanity came into existence when God created man in his own image (Genesis 1:27 NIV).
When we compare and contrast the Hindu and biblical worldviews based on their origin
of the universe and how humanity came into existence, it is similar in some aspects. Both of the
worldviews believed one higher power created the universe. However, humanity coming into
existence is different. In Hinduism, they believe in three manifestations that created humanity. In
the biblical worldview, they believe humanity came into existence when God made man in his
own image.
Part Two
In the Hindu worldview, to be human means that basic character is not confined to the mind or
body. But exceeding both of these, is the spirit of God within the soul (Hinduism: Basic Beliefs |
URI). The Hindu worldview also believes that humans are equally important as animals or other
living things. According to the Hindu Declaration on Nature, they state that “The human role is
not separate from nature. All objects in the universe, beings and non-beings, are pervaded by the
same spiritual power.” Hindus truly believe that all life is sacred (The Assisi Declarations).
To be human means to bear the image of God our father. We possess many different
aspects such as emotions, creativity, language and to be morally responsible. We were given a
purpose in life. Humans are in fact more important than any other living thing. We were made a
little lower than the angels in heaven and we are rulers over anything that exists in this world
according to a passage in Psalm (Psalm 8:4-8 NIV). Humans have a physical body and soul. The
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human soul is eternal. The Bible states in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the
gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NIV).
When we compare and contrast the Hindu and the biblical worldviews based on what it
means to be human and humans being more important, its somewhat different. In comparison,
Hindus believe they have the spirit of God within their soul and Christians believe we have an
eternal soul. In difference, Hindus believe humans and animals are equal. From the biblical
standpoint, humans are more important than any other living thing.
Part Three
A Hindus purpose for humanity is to be liberated and attain enlightenment also known as
“moksha”. This is based from the wheel of life, death and rebirth. This can only be attained
through fulfilling undifferentiated wholeness of Brahman is true. When fulfilled, one must work
hard to detach from the lustfulness of the ego. There are three paths Hinduism offers to attain
enlightenment: karma marga (the way of action and ritual), bhakti marga (the way of devotion),
and jnana marga (the way of knowledge and meditation) (Halverson 2).
From a biblical worldview, the purpose for humanity lies in the book of Deuteronomy. It
states that us humans were created for a purpose and that we are vocationally set apart. Out of all
of the nations, he chose us to be his own special treasure (Deuteronomy 14:2 NIV). We were
called to be fruitful, to increase the population, to domesticate animals. But most importantly, we
were made to glorify God (Colossians 1:16 NIV).
When comparing, Hindus and Christians are both trying to live for a higher power. The
difference is Hindus are trying to attain enlightenment through many different paths while
Christians strive to have a relationship with Christ. Hindus must pick one of the three paths to
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attain enlightenment, versus Christians must accept Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness and have a
relationship with God to make it to heaven once we die.
Part Four
Hindu's concept of right and wrong is based on Karma. According to Halverson, Karma
does not affect one’s relationship with Brahman. Whether they have good or bad karma, there is
no difference to the fact that they are prolonged from the wholeness of Brahman. The law of
karma doesn’t permit forgiveness. Therefore, you will not be forgiven. This is how morality is
determined (Halverson 2).
The biblical worldview states that when we do something wrong and unpleasing in God’s
eyes, we should repent and ask for forgiveness for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew
3:2 NIV). Morality is determined on the acceptance of the Lord Jesus our Savior into our lives
and our hearts and to repent from our sins. In the book of 2nd Chronicles7:14 the Bible states, “if
my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and
turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will
heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV).
When comparing Hinduism with the biblical worldview, they both have reasons to live a
positive lifestyle. The difference between the two is with Hinduism, there is no way to be
forgiven. However, with Christianity you can ask God to forgive your sins and you are forgiven.
Part Five
Hindu’s believe humans are in a death and rebirth cycle called, “Samsara”. They believe when
they die, their atman (also known as being extended from and one with Brahman) is reborn into a
different body. They believe in reincarnation based upon karma. One's karma will determine
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what you will be reincarnated as in the next life, such as (a human, animal or insect) (Halverson
2).
A biblical worldview believes that when we die, we each will stand in front of God on our
judgement day. There will be the book of life and a lake of fire. If your name is in the book of
life, you will live in eternity with God. If your name is not in the book of life, you will burn in
the lake of fire for eternity (Revelation 20:11-15 NIV). This is all made possible because Jesus
died on the cross for our sins. When he rose from the dead, he was showing that he had in fact
conquered death.
The comparison between Hinduism and the biblical worldview is they both believe in life after
death. The difference between the two are significant. Hindus believe in reincarnation on earth as
a human, animal or insect. Christians believe in spending eternity with Christ.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both religions have different worldviews. Hinduism rejects the Christian concepts
of creation and accepts several forms of pantheism (Hindson 63). All in all, we shall not have
other God’s before him as stated in the book of Exodus. Jesus said He is the Way, the Truth, and
the Life and no man can come to the Father except through Him (John 14:6 NIV).
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Works Cited
Halverson, Dean. Hinduism: A Religion Profile from International Students, Inc. 1992, p. 8,
learn.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-45801468-dt-content-rid-
534880491_1/courses/RLGN104_C03_202120/RLGN104_LUO_8WK_DEV_Imported
Content_20180907091356/Hinduism_Halverson%281%29.pdf. Accessed 22 Mar. 2021.
Hindson, Ed. Everyday Biblical Worldview. edited by Gabriel B. Etzel and Ben
Gutierrez,Nashville, Tennessee, B&H Academic, 2016, p. 1. Accessed 1 Mar. 2021.
Hinduism: Basic Beliefs | URI.Www.uri.org, www.uri.org/kids/world-religions/hindu-
beliefs#:~:text=The%20fundamental%20teaching%20of%20Hinduism%2C%20or
%20Vedanta%2C%20is. Accessed 24 Mar. 2021.
THE ASSISI DECLARATIONS the BUDDHIST DECLARATION on NATURE 3 the
CHRISTIAN DECLARATION on NATURE 5 the HINDU DECLARATION on
NATURE 8 the MUSLIM DECLARATION on NATURE 10 the JEWISH
DECLARATION on NATURE 12 LINKS to the WINDSOR STATEMENTS 15. 1986.
Weider, L. and Gutierrez, B., 2013. Finding Your Worldview: Thinking Christianly About the
World. 1st ed. [ebook] Lew Weider and Ben Gutierrez. Database, p.59. Available at:
<http://www.mywsb.com> [Accessed 10 July 2015].
