Hinduism Vs. Christianity : The Origin Of Hinduism And Christianity

Hinduism is one of the earliest religons that is still practiced around the world. It seeks to answer the same questions that Christianity does, but arrives at different answers. It seeks truth, but fails to find it.

Religion is a universal term that is widely used for a human’s belief system. The views on how religions compare to one another can be defined differently. One view explains religions using a united belief system by their common goals. Another view explains that different religions are just a shared essence and have vast differences between their specific traditions and customs. This shared essence, but vastly different theory, is explained by Stephen Prothero, using the term “pretend pluralism”. There are many major and minor religions that have guided people in their morals and beliefs. Religions, such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. All five of these current, major religions have vast differences, but may have common goals in their morals, traditions, etc. Two of the most practiced religions, of these five, are Christianity and Islam. These two religions are constantly at battle with one another, but what many people don’t see is that there are just as many similarities between these two religions as there are differences. Through this paper we will discover the underlying similarities and differences between these two religions and, hopefully, conclude that supports either the common goal theory or the “pretend pluralism” theory.

Hinduism is a very broad term that encompasses a multitude of different backgrounds, traditions, beliefs, and practices. Hinduism, as we know it today, has gone through many changes. To fully understand how Hinduism became as it is currently, knowledge of its development over the course of history is essential. This paper will demonstrate the primary shifts of its central beliefs, practices, and goals between periods of Early Vedic, Late Vedic, and Classical Hinduism.

Religion is a fundamental element of human society. It is what binds a country, society or group of individuals together. However, in some instances it destroys unity amoungst these. Religion is a belief in a superhuman entity(s) which control(s) the universe. Every religion has its differences but most strive for a just life and the right morals. The three major groups are the primal regions which consist of African, Aboriginal and Native American religions, Asian which consist of South Eastern Asian religions and Abrahamic religions which consist of Middle Eastern religions. The foci of this essay are the differences between the Abrahamic religion, Christianity, and the Asian region Buddhism as well as making reference to the Islamic

Hinduism and Christianity are two of the largest religions in the world today with nearly half of the world’s population claiming one of the two as their own. Without a doubt, both religions have been extremely influential in the world. In the minds of most, this is about as far as the similarities between Hinduism and Christianity go; however, the fact is that the two religions actually have much more in common than is often perceived at passing glance. There are commonalities strung all throughout the two religions, from parallel texts of scripture to eerily similar view’s concerning the nature of the divine.

Hinduism is considered the oldest living religion in the world because some elements can be traced back thousands of years, predating even elements in other religions like Christianity and Buddhism (British Broadcasting Company, 2009). Despite the age of the religion, the range of practices and beliefs found in Hinduism make it difficult to give a concise definition regarding central tenets, scriptures, and practices. Hinduism is different from most other world religions because it does not have a solitary founder, no commonly agreed set of teachings, and no single scripture that is read. For these reasons, Hinduism is considered by many, especially practicing Hindus, as a “way of life,” or as a family of religions instead of one religion (2009). Some claim that Hinduism’s core feature involves the belief in a supreme being that is impersonal, while other strands of the religion describe and worship a personal God.

Hinduism’s history is complex and the early history, especially is a subject of much debate for several reasons. Hinduism is not one single religion and also seemingly has no definite starting point as the traditions that flow into the religion trace back thousands of years(“Religion: Hinduism.”). This and some practitioners claim that the Hindu revelation is eternal(“Religion: Hinduism.”). Although there is an emphasis on personal spirituality, Hinduism's history has been closely linked with various political and social developments, such as the rise and fall of various empires and kingdoms(“Religion: Hinduism.”). The early history of Hinduism is difficult to organize and date so Hindus often

Comparing Hinduism and Christianity isn’t easy because Hinduism is a not an easy religion for most in the west to understand. It signifies limitless deep waters of understanding, a rich history, and a rich theology. There is for sure no religion in the world that is more multi-colored or overelaborate. Comparing Hinduism and Christianity can easily overwhelm the learner of relative religions. So, the question should be considered carefully and modestly. The answer given here does not pretend to be complete or assume even an understanding of Hinduism at any specific point. This answer simply compares a few points between the two religions in effort to show how Christianity is solemn of special consideration.

In the world today there are many religions of different beliefs with vast numbers of followers. However, some of these religions turn to have similarities and differences which defer them from each another.

These forms of communications include hymns, rituals treatises, and philosophical texts. Despite the Veda’s diverse form of communication many people do not have access to sacred texts. This restrictive access to sacred texts begs the question, “to what extent does religious exclusivity help or hinder religious development?” While it is important to maintain the original message of the Vedas, it is also important to distribute true teaching so that students can act and think in a cohesive manner. The Veda’s source of revelation was not a deity. Instead three schools were formed to communicate the teachings of the Veda. The reading states, “ In every generation, specialists in Vedic hermeneutics have worked to make texts’ messages relevant to the particular time and place”(p.35). It is interesting how Vedic hermeneutics have effectively altered the way Hinduism is received. They have effectively altered the way Hinduism is received by tailoring the religion to societies needs.

In worship, with Hinduism, each deity is praised separately, while in Christianity, thy worship each as the one God. As Christianity worships God as one, they refer to God as one whole of the three persons and worship as one Supreme Being that is adored as one. Hinduism, on another note, displays dedication to the worship of each deity in different temples in the Hindu triumvirate. As Clooney (2001) explains, there are major differences between the two religions, such that treatment of God lies in the way they worship (45).

The world has many different belief systems including Christianity and Buddhism. Both are similar and different in many ways. These religions are used in different places around the world and influenced the lives of its followers and the society in which they are practiced. Christianity is more diverse and complicated in its beliefs and totally depends on faith. In contrast, Hinduism is a belief more based on the simplicity of culture and tradition.

In today’s society, especially in the United States, there are many religions and beliefs practiced. While many individuals hold different beliefs, Mercadante (2014) questions whether or not Americans actually still believe in God? While he notes that data shows rates of rates of non-affiliated and non-attenders has risen dramatically since the 1950s,” such statistics can be misleading as people apply different meaning to the word God (Chapter 5). IN this paper, the religions of Hinduism and Buddhism will be further reviewed and the idea of whether or not their differences can be united under a hybridization of universal truths.

On this vast planet religions are becoming more prevalent and are being studied more frequently in recent times. Many individuals want to study and learn about the origins of some religions, on where they were developed and what was the cause of this glorification of a divine. The art of religion is processed by many ideologies, background, beliefs, myths, and rituals. The five major religions of the world include: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism are solely based on these ideologies, and ultimately leads to one goal, to follow the path of god, or to seek a euphoric state of salvation. In spite of all the differences among the world’s five major religions, they have very similar ethical constructs, which should encourage more mutual respect among them.

Religion is a powerful yet sensitive subject in many parts of the world. It is powerful in the sense that it gives a person comfort in their beliefs and practices. A particular religion that reflects the acceptance of a person’s own beliefs and practices would be Hinduism. Hinduism is one of the oldest religions that exist in our world today. It is widely practiced all over the world, especially in the west. Sometimes Hinduism can be misunderstood, as some people don’t really know how to interpret Hinduism. What exactly is Hinduism? Exploring the many themes of this particular religion helps answer the many questions that are raised by others.