Introduction
The question of a worldview is an essential factor in explaining people’s actions and behavior. In the context of religion, worldview serves even a greater purpose, providing not only motivation but moral guidance as well. This paper will focus on assessing two religions regarding the five main worldview questions: origin, identity, meaning, morality, and destiny. Discovered differences and similarities will strengthen critical thinking and allow a better understanding of the diversity of worldviews.
Hinduism Perspective
Origin
Generally, Hinduism does not consider any specific moment of origin. In other words, Hinduists see everything as always existing and timeless (Long, 2019). Hinduism’s oldest religious text contains hymns of various sun, moon, night, sky, wind, and earth deities. They are not considered the creators; instead, they are the parts of Brahman – all in one force (Long, 2019). In turn, Brahman is referred to as the source of everything existent and non-existent, which means responsible for establishing the sky, earth, and atmosphere, and is generally the creator of reality.
Identity
In terms of individual identity, Hinduism considers the concept of individuality as an imperfect state. All humanity is regarded as a part of the ultimate reality with little to no distinction in between them (Frazier, 2022). Both men and women represent the manifestations of Brahman’s male and female aspects. The men’s aspect is called Shiva, whereas the women’s is Shakti. In this context, the ultimate goal of human identity is to realize the individual self, which will lead to losing the separate identity in the universal self.
Meaning
The life purpose in Hinduism is organized into four main aspects: Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. Firstly, Dharma dually emphasizes one’s virtue and responsibilities (Frazier, 2022). Secondly, Artha refers to pursuing wealth and prosperity in life (Frazier, 2022). Thirdly, Hinduists pursue the Kama, defined as seeking joy in life (Frazier, 2022). Finally, a person should seek enlightenment to obtain Moksha or freedom (Frazier, 2022). It is considered the most challenging purpose, especially in the context of reincarnation, since even the whole life might not be enough.
Morality
In Hinduism, morality is defined by the idea of Dharma, which teaches that everyone has their own duties and responsibilities. Particular examples include values and attitudes, such as the absence of conceit and hypocrisy. However, the difference between right and wrong is determined by a general moral imperative to act dharmically (appropriately) in a given situation (Frazier, 2022). In other words, a person subjectively evaluates the situation and decides whether adhering to specific values will be appropriate.
Destiny
The Hindu concept of reincarnation is crucial to understanding their perception of destiny. Hinduists believe in Karma – a sum of individual deeds that determine their fate (Frazier, 2022). People with positive Karma will be awarded a better life after reincarnation. Conversely, negative Karma implies punishment for past sins and an increased incarnation number. Only the souls with positive Karma have the ability to achieve Moksha and be liberated from the rebirth cycle.
Comparison and Contrast with Christianity
Origin
In the question of origin, Christian and Hindu worldviews contrast in terms of theistic and pantheistic approaches, respectively. According to the NIV Bible (Gen 1:1), “God created the heavens and the earth.” In turn, Hinduism states that an all-inclusive Brahman force is responsible for the world’s creation. Consequently, the belief in the divinity of reality’s source is the same, whereas the nature of the source is different.
Identity
Regarding identity, Christianity and Hinduism have different views on humanity’s position in the world. According to NIV, people were God’s beloved creations, being “a little lower than the angels” (Ps 8:5). They were given the responsibility to take care of other God’s creations (Gen 2:15). Conversely, Hinduism does not anyhow emphasize human souls compared to other living beings, referring to their unity. Nevertheless, the idea of responsibility for the environment is present in Hinduism as well.
Meaning
The purpose of life in both Christianity and Hinduism can be generalized as reaching enlightenment. Christians aim to know God, while Hinduists pursue a genuine understanding of the rebirth cycle (Weider & Gutierrez, 2013). Regarding the former, John (NIV, 17:3) comments that humanity’s purpose is to “know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” In turn, the latter implies freedom from life’s illusion and an end to the cycle.
Morality
The question of morality is the topic where Christian and Hindu ideals align the most. Both religions establish a set of norms and moral values. Moreover, both religions imply rewards for sinless lives and punishments in the opposite case (Frazier, 2022; Weider & Gutierrez, 2013). However, morality is stricter and plays a more decisive role in Christianity, with the Bible directly defining right and wrong (NIV, 2 Timothy 3:16). Conversely, Hinduism’s Dharma is rather subjective and depends on individual interpretation.
Destiny
In terms of destiny, Christianity and Hinduism have different opinions on life and death. Christians believe in a single life that leads either to heaven or hell (Weider & Gutierrez, 2013). In heaven, people are blessed by His eternal presence (NIV, Rev 21:1–7), while in hell, they are punished by the eternal separation from Him (NIV, Rev 20:11–15). Conversely, the central idea of Hinduism is the reincarnation cycle, when the soul will continue to be trapped inside a body until it is able to achieve enlightenment.
Conclusion
Critical analysis of Christianity and Hinduism from the perspective of worldview questions has uncovered many differences and some similarities. Particularly, Christians and Hinduists have entirely different views regarding human destiny. Regarding origin, identity, and meaning, religious concepts align in a general sense but differ on a more narrow scope. The chosen religions align only in terms of morality, with the differences in values being rather irrelevant.
References
Frazier, J. (2022). The classical worldview: Early foundations of Hindu philosophy. In G. Flood (ed.), The Wiley Blackwell companion to Hinduism (pp. 415-447). John Wiley & Sons.
Long, J. D. (2019). Religious experience, Hindu pluralism, and hope: Anubhava in the tradition of Sri Ramakrishna. Religions, 10(3), 210. Web.
NIV. (2011). The Holy Bible: New international version. Hodder & Stoughton.
Weider, L. & Gutierrez, B. (2013). Finding your worldview: Thinking Christianly about the world. Word Search.