Introduction
Each religion correlates with a set of traditions and symbols. In Christianity, both symbols and traditions have become some of the main elements in worshipping God and sharing the religion with others. Namely, Judeo-Christians often utilize the symbols of crosses in religious art and symbolic jewelry pieces. Regarding rituals, baptism is traditionally exemplified in Judeo-Christian religions.
Nonetheless, similar circumstances can be observed in Hinduism. Namely, Hinduism correlates with certain symbols and practices that share specific similarities with the actions mentioned above. In this paper, the rituals and symbols will be compared, and the knowledge will be applied to the teachings of Christ’s commands.
Cross vs. Om and Swastika
The cross is one of Judeo-Christian traditions’ most recognized and vital elements. As a representation of Jesus’s crucifix, the cross reminds us of the sacrifice the Lord made and his devotion to humanity, which is why modern-day Christianity often highlights the importance of representation.
Hinduism does not have a cross symbol, but similarities can be observed with the swastika. The swastika was one of the primary visual elements, despite its reputation being corrupted during WWII (Casolari, 2020). Nonetheless, it symbolizes the sun, prosperity, and divinity. Another symbol that is representative of Hinduism is Om, which is more frequently referenced as a meditation sound, yet the letters of the symbol are often portrayed in religious contexts.
In both cases, the visual images are distinctive while sharing several similarities. Nonetheless, the meanings of the symbols and their importance in both religions are on different levels. In the case of a cross, it is vital in the Christian religion. In Hinduism, both the Om and the swastika, while having symbolic representation, are not as widely applied and implemented in daily rituals.
Baptism vs. Namakarana
A variety of rituals are present in Christianity. Nonetheless, baptism is one of the primary ones as its meaning correlates with one’s acceptance of Christianity. During the ceremony, the individual is purified with water, which directly correlates with purification and the meaning of a new beginning as a Christian. The practice is not practiced in Hinduism.
However, a similar ritual can be observed in Namakarana. Namakarana is a naming ceremony where the baby (10 to 12 days old) receives their name (Guar & Ojha, 2018). The ceremony also implies that the child is bathed and given new clothes. From this perspective, the similarity between the two rituals is the concept of purification and new beginnings. However, in Christianity, baptism is a sacred ceremony with a religious connotation.
Conveying the Gospel
When spreading the message of Jesus Christ, it is essential to consider the audience’s religious and sociocultural differences. Namely, missionaries imply that Christianity is being portrayed through education on Christian values. At the same time, religions differ, and people who listen to the message may have individual opinions and perceptions of God and spirituality, as mentioned, while different confessions share similarities, the rituals and symbols associated with one’s faith contrast in meanings, importance, value, and adherence to said practice. It is essential to acknowledge said differences and acquire knowledge of the customs and spiritual traditions of the demographic in which missionary work is performed. There are several benefits to incorporating said knowledge in teaching about Jesus and Christianity.
First and foremost, knowing about current rituals and religious symbolism is an element of intercultural competency. Current literature highlights that the concept implies the presence of empathy toward one’s cultural environment and setting (Moreau et al., 2014). By knowing said concepts, the missionary highlights an understanding of the cultural background.
On the other hand, to avoid religious misunderstandings, knowing the practices effectively juxtaposes current spiritual experiences with desired ones. For example, a person who prays by repeating mantras is more likely to be familiar with Christian praying concepts than a non-religious person. In this case, Christianity is portrayed as realistic and similar in practices. Missionaries are more relatable, approachable, and welcoming into their religion when they speak from the position of friends and mentors rather than superiors.
Conclusion
Religions have developed in different areas of the world, are based on contrasting values, and often do not share similar premises. As a result, various rituals and symbolism are distinct and cannot be replicated. For example, the cross does not have the same meaning in Hinduism, and similar symbols such as the swastika and the Om have other connotations.
Similarly, while baptism is a practice of purification, the tradition in Hinduism, Namakarana, is a naming ritual rather than a religious welcoming into the religion. Understanding said differences is essential in the work of missionaries, as it provides people with an understanding that their traditions are being respected and generates a more welcoming approach towards Christianity. As a result, the message is less condescending and more based on intercultural competencies.
References
Casolari, M. (2020). In the shadow of the swastika. The relationships between Indian radical nationalism, Italian fascism and Nazism. Routledge.
Guar, A., & Ojha, N. K. (2018). Critical analysis of Bala Samskara w.s.r. to developmental milestones in children: A review study. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences, 3(2). Web.
Moreau, A. S., Campbell, E. H., & Greener, S. (2014). Effective Intercultural Communication: A Christian Perspective (Encountering Mission). Baker Academic.