What are the core beliefs of Hinduism?

Definition and Historical Context

Hinduism is widely regarded as one of the oldest living religious traditions, with historical roots extending back several millennia on the Indian subcontinent. Over time, it has developed through a synthesis of various cultural, philosophical, and ritual influences. Hinduism does not have a single founder or a strictly uniform set of doctrines; rather, it encompasses diverse schools of thought, literature, and practices. These are built around core concepts and sacred texts.

Sacred Texts and Sources

Hinduism’s primary sacred writings are collected mainly in the Vedas: the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda. These texts contain hymns, rituals, and philosophical discussions, and they are considered the foundational scriptural authority in Hindu thought. Alongside the Vedas, the Upanishads (philosophical treatises exploring ultimate reality and the nature of the self) also hold a position of great importance. Other crucial texts include the Mahabharata (which contains the Bhagavad Gita), the Ramayana, and the Puranas.

Unlike the Bible, which believers hold as one cohesive revelation (cf. “All Scripture is God-breathed…” 2 Timothy 3:16), the Hindu scriptures reflect multiple layers and eras of religious development. These diverse layers cause great variety in interpretation among Hindus themselves.

Core Theological Concepts

Hinduism largely revolves around several interlocking ideas:

1. Brahman (Ultimate Reality)

Most Hindu schools of thought refer to Brahman as the supreme, formless, and eternal reality. Brahman is sometimes understood as manifested in various deities or personal forms, yet is ultimately seen as beyond all distinctions. This perspective contrasts with the biblical teaching of a personal, infinitely holy Creator, who states in Isaiah 44:6, “I am the first and I am the last; apart from Me there is no God.”

2. Atman (Individual Soul)

The Atman is often described as the true self or soul residing in every living being, potentially identical with or closely related to Brahman. Certain Hindu philosophies emphasize self-realization—recognizing the union of Atman and Brahman—as the goal of spiritual life. This is distinct from the biblical revelation that each person is a unique creation (Genesis 1:27) and has an individual relationship with the personal God.

3. Avatars (Incarnations of Deity)

Hinduism speaks of gods (often Vishnu) descending to earth in various “avatar” forms—such as Krishna or Rama—in order to restore cosmic harmony. These are not singular, once-for-all incarnations but multiple manifestations. By contrast, the Christian Scriptures teach one unique incarnation: the eternal Son of God becoming man in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14), who died once for all (Hebrews 7:27).

Karma, Reincarnation, and Samsara

1. Karma (Action and Consequence)

Hinduism teaches that thoughts and actions produce inevitable results that follow an individual through the cycle of rebirth (samsara). Good actions accumulate positive merit, and harmful actions lead to negative consequences, which together shape one’s future existences. This concept undergirds ethical practice within Hinduism.

2. Reincarnation (Samsara)

Most Hindus hold that upon death, the soul (Atman) enters a new body in accordance with its karma, forming a cycle of rebirth. Liberation from samsara is called moksha—an escape from the rebirth cycle, often identified with realization or absorption into Brahman.

3. Contrasting Biblical Perspective

In the Scriptures, human life does not revolve around endless reincarnation. Hebrews 9:27 asserts, “Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment.” The Bible further teaches of resurrection and eternal life through belief in Christ (John 11:25–26).

Dharma and the Social Order

1. Understanding Dharma

In Hinduism, dharma signifies duty, righteousness, and the underlying order that governs the moral and cosmic realm. Each individual’s dharma involves fulfilling roles and responsibilities appropriate to one’s social standing and stage of life.

2. Caste System

Traditional Hinduism is historically intertwined with the varna or caste system, delineated into four major groups: Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (traders), and Shudras (laborers), along with groups outside the traditional hierarchy. Although modern legislation in India attempts to address inequality, the caste framework continues to influence various aspects of Hindu culture.

3. Biblical Contrast on Equality

By contrast, the Scripture proclaims that all people are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and calls believers to acknowledge the unity of humankind (Galatians 3:28).

Worship and Religious Practices

1. Deities and Forms of Worship

Many Hindus worship one or more personal gods (e.g., Vishnu, Shiva, Devi) who are considered manifestations or aspects of Brahman. Rituals and offerings (puja) to images and idols are a core part of devotional practice and can be performed at home or in temples.

2. Pilgrimage and Festivals

Pilgrimages to sacred sites, along with a calendar full of festivals honoring specific deities or mythological events, form a vibrant part of Hindu life. For example, the Kumbh Mela is a massive pilgrimage attracting millions of worshippers seeking purification in sacred rivers.

3. Scriptural Perspective

The Bible rejects worship of multiple deities: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). Christian teaching focuses worship toward God alone (Revelation 22:9).

Yoga and Spiritual Disciplines

Yoga, in Hinduism, traditionally refers to spiritual disciplines aimed at union (yuj, “to join”) with the divine or ultimate reality. While contemporary Western contexts often emphasize yoga’s physical facet, classical Hindu teachings acknowledge multiple paths (bhakti yoga of devotion, jnana yoga of knowledge, karma yoga of selfless action, etc.) leading toward spiritual enlightenment or liberation.

Major Schools of Thought in Hinduism

Hinduism contains several philosophical schools (darshanas). Key examples include:

• Advaita Vedanta – Teaching non-dualism, that Brahman alone is ultimate reality and the individual self is not distinct from Brahman.

• Dvaita Vedanta – Teaching that the individual soul and Brahman (God) are eternally separate.

• Vishishtadvaita – A nuanced “qualified non-dualism,” stressing oneness of the soul with Brahman but acknowledging distinct individuality as well.

Such diversity underscores the breadth and complexity of Hindu belief, making generalizations both necessary and challenging.

Modern Expressions and Movements

Numerous reform movements have arisen in Hindu context to address social, ethical, or theological questions. These include organizations like the Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, and modern gurus who attract global followings. Some encourage monotheistic-like devotion; others maintain polytheistic rituals. The variety is extensive, reflecting the adaptability of Hindu traditions over centuries.

Contemporary Global Influence

Beyond the Indian subcontinent, Hindu philosophy and practices—particularly forms of yoga, meditation, and spiritual retreats—have gained popularity worldwide. This widespread influence sometimes merges with new age beliefs or other forms of mysticism. For this reason, discerning individuals often investigate the historical roots and doctrines, comparing them with other spiritual teachings.

Points of Intersection and Contrast with Scripture

1. Spiritual Seeking: Hinduism, like numerous faiths, recognizes the human longing for something greater. Ecclesiastes 3:11 mentions a longing for “eternity” set in the human heart.

2. Multiplicity of Deities vs. Exclusivity of One God: Hindu practice can include devotion to many gods, whereas Scripture affirms the existence of only one true God who is both transcendent and personal (Isaiah 45:5–6).

3. Karma vs. Grace: Hinduism sees karma as shaping one’s destiny, while biblical teaching emphasizes salvation by grace, not by works (Ephesians 2:8–9). This is a foundational departure from the cycle of rebirth in Hindu thought.

4. Reincarnation vs. Resurrection: The cyclical rebirth concept in Hinduism stands in contrast to the once-for-all resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3–4) and the future hope of believers (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).

Conclusion

Hinduism is a multifaceted religious and cultural framework with millennia of history and various strands of sacred literature and belief. Its core elements—belief in Brahman as an ultimate reality, the practice of devotion to multiple gods or manifestations, the principles of karma and reincarnation, the concept of avatara, and the pursuit of liberation (moksha)—define its spiritual landscape. In its diversity, it has provided millions with a religious identity and philosophical worldview.

As with any belief system, thoughtful exploration of these ideas stands as an invitation to compare and contrast with the consistent narrative of Scripture. While the underlying frameworks of Hinduism and the Bible differ in many respects, understanding Hinduism’s formative doctrines helps foster respectful dialogue and deeper reflection on theological questions of life, destiny, and ultimate reality.