1
RLGN 104 CRITICAL THINKING PAPER - HINDUISM AND
CHRISTIANITY
RLGN 104-D13
Critical Thinking Paper – Hinduism and Christianity
*For this paper we will attempt as much as possible to look at Hinduism as an overarching
philosophy encompassing all the various sects and darsanas.
Worldview Comparisons
The Question of Origin – (What is the origin of the universe etc.? How did humanity come into
existence?)
Hinduism does not have a single story of creation. Within Hinduism there are multiple
beliefs regarding the origin of the universe. The beliefs come from whether you are looking to
the Vedas, the Brahmanas, the Puranas, a philosophical concept, or a character driven narrative.
Like many other religions one can find the story of the “world egg” or tales of creation by a
godly being. “The fundamental difference between the story of creation in Hinduism and
Abrahamic religions is that Hinduism - like Buddhism and Jainism - views the world as eternal,
going through phases of creation and destruction. So, beginning refers to the beginning of a
phase, not beginning of the world itself.” (Pattanaik)
, 2
Using the standpoint of a Biblical worldview; all creation came into existence when G-d
spoke and created heaven and earth. (Gen 1:1) You can find some similarities in the creation
story using the Hindu Puranas (ancient texts) and reading the story of Brahma on their belief that
he created time and the universe. In the Shatapatha Brahmana there is a story of “The Great
Deluge” which mirrors the story of the great flood in Genesis. Some among the Hindu faith
believe this to be the origin of the current generation of the world.
The Question of Identity – (What does it mean to be human? Are humans more important than
other living things?)
In the view of Hinduism being human is a unique and special thing. From the sacred
texts there is a quote from Brahmin: “The swan [Brahman] said, „I disclose unto you a great
mystery. There is no status that is superior to that of humanity.” To be human means being a
soul. That soul merely uses the body and mind for experience. There are two levels of soul and
five levels of the physical body. The “apparent” soul is the one that will exist after a physical
death.
Biblically, mankind is unique in that Adonai Elohim formed man out of the dust and mud
personally and gave to humanity his own breath of life. (Gen 2:7) In both outlooks man is
physically and spiritually unique. The main difference here is that biblically as man we are here
to glorify and live for G-d, from the Hindu perspective man is meant to ever look to himself for
experiences and enlightenment.
The Question of Meaning/Purpose – (What is humanity‟s purpose?)
, 3
The Hindu view of man‟s purpose has been beautifully stated by Ramakrishna
Paramahansa; an Indian mystic and Yogi. He stated: “God is everywhere but He is most
manifest in man. So, serve man as God. That is as good as worshipping God.” and “As Long As
I Live, So Long Do I Learn” (Ramakrishna) The simple goal of a human being is to give to
another human being. The ultimate goal of life is to achieve Dharma (act virtuously), Artha
(pursuit of prosperity), Kama (obtain enjoyment), and Moksha(enlightenment). Moksha is the
highest and most important meaning of life. With Moksha one can be freed from reincarnation,
obtain self-realization, and ultimately unity with god.
Biblically speaking humanity‟s purpose is to edify G-d in whatever we do. (1Cor 10:31)
People are supposed to make a place for G-d in this world so that He may fellowship with them.
In the truths and laws laid out within Hinduism and Judeo-Christianity the purpose/meaning of
life is largely the same. Both views hold strongly that mankind is supposed to show good
stewardship over creation especially in their dealings with other people. The goal is to find
oneness with G-d. The difference is that biblically G-d is seen as a personal loving creator,
where in Hinduism “god” is more a sense of being one with the cosmos.
The Question of Morality – (What is meant by right and wrong? How is morality determined?)
Hinduism teaches that humans are moral agents whose goal is to apply the understanding
of their religion to their daily lives. Hinduism teaches its adherents the philosophy of Dharma.
Each person has their own responsibilities and duties to fulfill that pertain to where they are in
life. Daily life and a person‟s actions are considered highly important. Karma, can be accrued
by either positive or negative actions. Karma is considered the reason for the good or bad things
RLGN 104 CRITICAL THINKING PAPER - HINDUISM AND
CHRISTIANITY
RLGN 104-D13
Critical Thinking Paper – Hinduism and Christianity
*For this paper we will attempt as much as possible to look at Hinduism as an overarching
philosophy encompassing all the various sects and darsanas.
Worldview Comparisons
The Question of Origin – (What is the origin of the universe etc.? How did humanity come into
existence?)
Hinduism does not have a single story of creation. Within Hinduism there are multiple
beliefs regarding the origin of the universe. The beliefs come from whether you are looking to
the Vedas, the Brahmanas, the Puranas, a philosophical concept, or a character driven narrative.
Like many other religions one can find the story of the “world egg” or tales of creation by a
godly being. “The fundamental difference between the story of creation in Hinduism and
Abrahamic religions is that Hinduism - like Buddhism and Jainism - views the world as eternal,
going through phases of creation and destruction. So, beginning refers to the beginning of a
phase, not beginning of the world itself.” (Pattanaik)
, 2
Using the standpoint of a Biblical worldview; all creation came into existence when G-d
spoke and created heaven and earth. (Gen 1:1) You can find some similarities in the creation
story using the Hindu Puranas (ancient texts) and reading the story of Brahma on their belief that
he created time and the universe. In the Shatapatha Brahmana there is a story of “The Great
Deluge” which mirrors the story of the great flood in Genesis. Some among the Hindu faith
believe this to be the origin of the current generation of the world.
The Question of Identity – (What does it mean to be human? Are humans more important than
other living things?)
In the view of Hinduism being human is a unique and special thing. From the sacred
texts there is a quote from Brahmin: “The swan [Brahman] said, „I disclose unto you a great
mystery. There is no status that is superior to that of humanity.” To be human means being a
soul. That soul merely uses the body and mind for experience. There are two levels of soul and
five levels of the physical body. The “apparent” soul is the one that will exist after a physical
death.
Biblically, mankind is unique in that Adonai Elohim formed man out of the dust and mud
personally and gave to humanity his own breath of life. (Gen 2:7) In both outlooks man is
physically and spiritually unique. The main difference here is that biblically as man we are here
to glorify and live for G-d, from the Hindu perspective man is meant to ever look to himself for
experiences and enlightenment.
The Question of Meaning/Purpose – (What is humanity‟s purpose?)
, 3
The Hindu view of man‟s purpose has been beautifully stated by Ramakrishna
Paramahansa; an Indian mystic and Yogi. He stated: “God is everywhere but He is most
manifest in man. So, serve man as God. That is as good as worshipping God.” and “As Long As
I Live, So Long Do I Learn” (Ramakrishna) The simple goal of a human being is to give to
another human being. The ultimate goal of life is to achieve Dharma (act virtuously), Artha
(pursuit of prosperity), Kama (obtain enjoyment), and Moksha(enlightenment). Moksha is the
highest and most important meaning of life. With Moksha one can be freed from reincarnation,
obtain self-realization, and ultimately unity with god.
Biblically speaking humanity‟s purpose is to edify G-d in whatever we do. (1Cor 10:31)
People are supposed to make a place for G-d in this world so that He may fellowship with them.
In the truths and laws laid out within Hinduism and Judeo-Christianity the purpose/meaning of
life is largely the same. Both views hold strongly that mankind is supposed to show good
stewardship over creation especially in their dealings with other people. The goal is to find
oneness with G-d. The difference is that biblically G-d is seen as a personal loving creator,
where in Hinduism “god” is more a sense of being one with the cosmos.
The Question of Morality – (What is meant by right and wrong? How is morality determined?)
Hinduism teaches that humans are moral agents whose goal is to apply the understanding
of their religion to their daily lives. Hinduism teaches its adherents the philosophy of Dharma.
Each person has their own responsibilities and duties to fulfill that pertain to where they are in
life. Daily life and a person‟s actions are considered highly important. Karma, can be accrued
by either positive or negative actions. Karma is considered the reason for the good or bad things
