Christianity vs. Hinduism,Term Paper Example

In the modern world, there is much talking in regards to people’s religions and faith. In different parts of the world, people have varying faiths and the way they worship their own God. Humans are living their lives according to beliefs they have about God. For this reason, there is a lot of propaganda going on about certain religions. By definition, religion is a system which includes symbols, beliefs, narratives and practices which give meaning to certain experiences of life. Through religion, people have been made to believe that there is a higher being that has power over humanity. Different religions have their own practices that make them different from others. Comparing Christianity and Hinduism, one will come to realize the many differences and similarities these two religions have.

Christianity is a religion that believes in Jesus Christ who was crucified on Calvary to safe human beings. On the other hand, Hinduism is a religion that originated in India. From here, it has spread to other nations of the world. Christianity is the number one religion in the world while Hinduism is the third. While Christianity recognizes the omnipresent God who is in three i.e. son, father and holy spirit, Hinduism bases its belief in thousands of gods. The followers of Hinduism believe that God manifests in men gods who have varying omnipotent powers.

Another key difference between Hinduism and Christianity is that Hinduism is an evolving religion. It has progressive rituals. This religion does not have a recognizable founder. For this reason, it has become rather difficult for people to trace when it started. In Christianity, Jesus Christ is the central and vital figure that followers believe started their religion.

Put on the same level, there are differences in attitudes between these two religions. Whereas Hinduism can tolerate Christianity, Christianity totally opposes Hinduism. By nature, Christians tend to be against any religion that is not recognized by the Bible. They believe that other religions are going against the teachings of God. Hindus believe that there are so many ways through which one can get to heaven. On the other hand, Christians hold to the belief that the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ; hence there is no salvation outside Christianity. They argue that God sacrificed his own son, Jesus Christ, so that humans can have salvation. Regarding the end days, Christians believe that, on the final judgment day, people will be judged by their own actions. Hindus believe that each person is judged by his or her own karma. Another exclusive belief among the Hindus is that God is part of everything in this world. For this reason, to them, God is found in both evil and good. On the contrary, Christians believe that God is not the creator of evil, but he gave mankind the ability and freedom to choose between evil and good.

Hinduism is not theistic, but rather pantheistic. Hinduism does not abide by the doctrine that God created the world from nowhere. Conversely, Christians believe that God created the world from his own substance. The Jews who were the first followers of Christianity were of the opinion that God shaped some existing materials to form the world. Hinduism is a religion that preaches tolerance. This is the main reason why it recognizes Christianity. Hinduism teaches that different religions lead to one particular end. This is a clear show that this religion accepts and recognizes all other religions of the world. In John 14:6, it is clear that Christianity recognizes Jesus as the only way to salvation. In this verse, Jesus told his followers that he is the only way of truth and the life. He goes ahead to say that no one will reach God except through him. Analyzing this philosophically, it is not possible to have two religions existing exclusively to be equal.

Hinduism believes in reincarnation. The teachings of this religion view life as a continuous cycle of rebirths. They hold to the belief that humans die in one body form and come back in another. This is contrary to what Christianity teaches. In the book of Hebrews 9:27, men have one life to live on earth. Once we die, that is a chapter done and closed. Men need to do the right things while alive by having faith in God through his son, Jesus Christ. In regard to the beliefs of Hindus, men get salvation from reincarnation. Once they die, they become gods and get salvation through ceremonial works. On the other hand, Christianity preaches that man will get salivation through repenting the sins. This will only happen if the man has faith in God. In Timothy 1:15, man can get salvation if they only have faith that Jesus Christ came into this world to look for and save sinners. In Acts 4:12, the Bible clearly states that it is by grace that man is saved through faith. Faith is the gift of God. When one is saved, he or she will get a new body that will make them holy like angels. This is according to Luke 20:36.

Whereas Hindus believe that gurus are a little lower as compared to gods, Christians also are of the opinion that man is lower than angels. Hindus see the gurus as their saviors at times. For this reason, they treat them with care, and try hard to please them. This same religion holds that if the guru becomes angry, one will not be saved. It is clear that Hindus take some men to be gods. In the book of Acts, God gave Christians warning in regard to men who exalt themselves as gods. A good example in the Bible is when God took the life of Herod Antipas after he claimed to be a god.

The religion of Hinduism promotes the caste system where some individuals have been given a high profile. Under this system, some people are superior and receive better treatment than others. According to Christianity, God advises people to have respect for one another and see themselves as equals. People need not to be judged according to their socioeconomic status or any worldly status. In the eyes of God, all men are equal. In Hinduism, there is no absolute truth. The followers believe that truth is based on the actions of individuals. In Christianity, the word of God is the ultimate truth. Anything that opposes this word is seen as evil. Some followers of Hinduism have been made to understand that Santa Claus is the God of Christianity because he rewards good and give a penalty for wrong doings. Christianity, on the other hand, see Jehovah as the one who judges people on earth rewarding those who do right and punish those engaging in evil. Jehovah is merciful since he gives people time to repent their sins. This religion sees Santa Claus as a creation of the Roman Catholic. Among the Hindus, the gods do not forgive sins nor are they interested in saving their followers. This means that when individuals commit sins, they face the karma on their own to be answerable for their actions. But, the God who Christians believe in is always ready to show mercy among his believer. He forgives those who truly repent their sins.

When looking at Christianity and Hinduism, there is a revelation of similarities that occurred in the ancient times. During these times, the followers of both religions repented sins through offering sacrifices to God. In Hinduism and Christianity, the sacrifices were animals. These religions preach divide commandments of righteousness. In the event one fails to comply with the commandments, there is a penalty. In the book of Romans 2:14-15, Gentiles who did not abide by the law were punished. Sacrifice for sins is a practice that is also found in Christianity. In both Hinduism and Christianity, sin is recognized as a bad thing in the eyes of God. For this reason, sacrifices are offered to please the God in order to forgive sins. Although this was done in the past, in the modern days human beings are accountable for their sins. However, it should be remembered that Christianity beliefs that when Jesus died on the cross he pre-paid the penalty of sins. Therefore, it is upon one to accept the sacrifice Jesus in order to avoid penalty on the judgment day. Also, both Christianity and Hinduism have a liberal approach to humanity. Hinduism followers see the human race as a family. Christians see humans as daughters and sons of God.