Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions, with roots tracing back to the Indian subcontinent. It is a complex and diverse faith, characterized by a variety of beliefs, practices, and scriptures. Unlike Christianity, which is monotheistic and centered on the worship of one God, Hinduism is often described as henotheistic or polytheistic, acknowledging a multitude of deities while often elevating one as supreme.

Origins and Scriptures

Hinduism does not have a single founder or a unified set of beliefs. Its sacred texts are vast and varied, with the Vedas being among the oldest and most authoritative. Other significant texts include the Upanishads, the Mahabharata (which contains the Bhagavad Gita), and the Ramayana. These texts explore a wide range of spiritual concepts, including dharma (duty/ethics), karma (action and consequence), and moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).

Core Beliefs

Hinduism encompasses a wide array of beliefs, but several core concepts are generally recognized:

1. Brahman: The ultimate reality or world soul, which is formless and beyond human comprehension. It is sometimes equated with the concept of God in other religions, though it is more abstract.

2. Atman: The individual soul or self, which is believed to be eternal and a part of Brahman. The journey of the atman through various lives is central to Hindu belief.

3. Reincarnation and Karma: Hindus believe in a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara), governed by karma. The actions of an individual in one life determine their fate in the next.

4. Dharma: The moral and ethical duties and responsibilities that each individual must follow, which vary according to one's class, stage of life, and personal circumstances.

Comparison with Christianity

From a Christian perspective, Hinduism presents a worldview that contrasts sharply with biblical teachings. The Bible emphasizes the existence of one sovereign God, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:4 : "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One." Christianity teaches that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone, as stated in John 14:6 : "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'"

The concept of reincarnation in Hinduism is also at odds with the biblical view of life and afterlife. Hebrews 9:27 states, "Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment," indicating a single earthly life followed by judgment.

Practices and Worship

Hindu worship, or puja, can be conducted at home or in temples and involves offerings to deities, chanting of mantras, and meditation. The practice of yoga, which has gained popularity worldwide, originates from Hindu traditions and is seen as a means to achieve spiritual insight and tranquility.

Hindu festivals, such as Diwali and Holi, are celebrated with great enthusiasm and are integral to the cultural and religious life of adherents. These festivals often commemorate events in the lives of deities or the changing of seasons.

Cultural Influence

Hinduism has significantly influenced the culture, art, and philosophy of the Indian subcontinent and beyond. Its impact can be seen in the diverse expressions of music, dance, and literature that have emerged from Hindu traditions.

While Hinduism and Christianity differ fundamentally in their understanding of God, salvation, and the afterlife, both religions have contributed to the rich tapestry of human spirituality and cultural development.Hebrews 9:27
And as it is appointed to men once to die, but after this the judgment:
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2 Corinthians 5:8
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
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Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
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John 14:6
Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.
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Ephesians 2:9
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
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Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
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Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
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Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Matthew 25:46
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
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Luke 16:19-31
There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
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Benares as a Mission Sphere.
... Hinduism, like all other religions, has its points of contact, we may say of agreement,
with Christianity; but in its main features and tendencies it is ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter viii benares as a.htm

The Classes and the Masses
... the whole community feels it a duty of patriotism to do its utmost to deprive that
individual of liberty of action, and to defend the vested rights of Hinduism ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter ix the classes and.htm

The City of Benares.
... field to itself, for these strangers tell us, especially the later of the two, that
a large and increasing number of the people were warmly attached to Hinduism ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter vii the city of.htm

Correspondences
... home. [Illustration: A Saivite ascetic. Siva represents the severer side
of Hinduism, the Powers of Nature which destroy. But as ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter iv correspondences.htm

The Creed Chasm
... Sir Monier Williams explains the existence of this difference by describing
the receptivity and all-comprehensiveness of Hinduism. ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter x the creed chasm.htm

Though Ye Know Him Not
... THE sensation you experience is curious when you rise from the study of Sir Monier
William's Brahmanism and Hinduism and go out to your work, and meet in that ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxvii though ye know.htm

My First Year in Benares.
... He was ready for conversation on religious subjects, and had much to say in
favour of the philosophical notions which underlie Hinduism. ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter v my first year.htm

The Missionary in India (Continued).
... In other words, by acting as if we accepted Hindu principles of religion
we are to overthrow Hinduism, and win the people to Christ. ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xxv the missionary in.htm

The People among whom we Labour (Continued).
... [Sidenote: THE INFLUENCE OF HINDUISM ON CHARACTER.]. We are all familiar with the
maxim, Like priest, like people. May we say, Like God, like worshipper? ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xxix the people among.htm

The Object of Missions, and Various Modes of Operation.
... Hinduism is a strong fortress, and those who assail it by hurling at it"if I may
so speak"the red-hot shot of exposure of its errors, and the fire of the ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xi the object of.htm

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