Please Help Us Keep These Thousands of Blog Posts Growing and Free for All

$5.00

Uncover the deep connections and stark differences between Christianity and Hinduism. From the concept of salvation in Christianity to the law of karma in Hinduism, this enlightening exploration provides a detailed comparative analysis. Gain invaluable insights into faith-based dialogues and interfaith understanding.

Exploring the relation of Christianity to Hinduism involves delving deep into the core beliefs and principles that define both religions. As Christians, we approach this topic in the light of the biblical revelation, maintaining respect and understanding of Hindu beliefs.

One of the fundamental concepts in Hinduism is karma, the moral law of cause and effect. This law states that the consequences of one’s actions in this life will be experienced in subsequent lives, in a perpetual cycle of rebirth until all dues are paid. This enduring principle in Hindu philosophy often leads to a sense of fatalism, accepting that whatever happens, happens for a reason (Bhagavad Gita 18:20-22). But, in Christianity, the doctrine of sin and redemption, as revealed in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” and Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord,” offers a different perspective.

Christians believe that the “wage” or consequence of sin is death, but this is not an endless cycle of rebirth as karma suggests. Instead, God’s grace provides an escape through Jesus Christ. This is the uniqueness of the cross – it provides forgiveness for sins without minimizing the debt. This redemption and forgiveness through Christ give the believer a sense of restoration, both in this life and eternity (1 John 1:9).

Hinduism’s pantheistic worldview, which sees divinity in everything, is another aspect to consider. This philosophy proposes no definitive origin of life and seems to align with certain scientific perspectives. However, it leaves the deepest struggles of the human soul unanswered. This is where Christianity, with its belief in a personal and loving God who created the universe (Genesis 1:1), provides a more comprehensive answer. The Bible’s teaching, as revealed in Genesis, provides a linear view of life – a clear beginning and end, which stands in stark contrast to the cyclical worldview of Hinduism.

The incarnation of Krishna, a deity in Hinduism, brings a sense of divinity to humans. Yet, there is a question of how humans can be reconciled to God in Hinduism. Christianity offers a clear answer through the cross of Christ. The crucifixion of Christ, according to the Bible, is the ultimate act of love, a bridge that connects humanity to God (John 3:16). This connection is not achieved through human efforts or good deeds, but through the grace and mercy of God, made possible through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

In Matthew 27:46, during Jesus’ crucifixion, He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This intense cry reveals the depth of the separation between Christ (God incarnate) and His heavenly Father – a separation caused by the sins of the world that He bore on the cross. The beauty of this is that because of Christ’s willing sacrifice, that separation no longer needs to exist for those who accept Him as their personal Savior.

As Christians, while sharing these distinct Christian beliefs with our Hindu friends, it’s paramount to do so in a spirit of love, respect, and sensitivity. We should aim to understand their perspectives deeply and show them the love of Christ through our words and actions.

While our faiths may differ in many respects, the shared human search for truth, meaning, and spiritual fulfillment is something that can foster common understanding and respect. Through this understanding, we can better communicate the distinctive message of Christianity — namely, the love, grace, and salvation offered by God through Jesus Christ.

In the context of respectful dialogue, we should also be prepared to answer any questions our Hindu friends might have about our faith, and we should likewise be open to learning about their beliefs. This spirit of mutual learning can foster closer relationships and deeper understanding between individuals of different faith traditions.

In conclusion, the primary objective of these conversations should not be to win an argument but rather to represent the love and truth of Christ faithfully and in so doing, perhaps provide our Hindu friends with a new perspective on the message of the Gospel. As Apostle Peter advises in 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV), “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

Additional Thoughts

The relationship between Christianity and Hinduism is an intricate one, examined through the lens of historical, cultural, and theological perspectives. As two of the world’s major religions, Christianity and Hinduism approach spirituality, morality, and the nature of reality in distinct ways, yet there are areas of overlap that can be examined. However, it’s essential to note that their core tenets, especially regarding salvation, the nature of God, and the problem of sin, differ significantly.

Firstly, the theological frameworks of Christianity and Hinduism diverge substantially. Hinduism is predominantly pantheistic, positing that the divine permeates everything in the universe. This pantheistic view is often expressed through the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, which claims that atman (the self) is essentially identical to Brahman (the ultimate reality or God). This perspective is fundamentally different from the monotheistic Christian belief, which posits a clear distinction between the Creator (Jehovah God) and the creation (Isaiah 45:18, ASV).

Moreover, Hinduism embraces the notion of karma and the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara), which is intrinsically linked with the caste system. On the contrary, Christianity acknowledges the existence of sin originating from the disobedience of the first human couple, Adam and Eve, which brought about death. As written in Romans 5:12 (ESV), “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned”.

In Hinduism, the aim is to break free from this cycle through the pursuit of dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), kama (pleasure), and moksha (liberation). However, the Christian understanding of liberation from sin is fundamentally different. Christianity teaches that liberation from sin comes only through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In other words, it’s not human effort but divine grace that brings salvation. This belief is encapsulated in Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV), “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Regarding God’s nature, Christianity recognizes one God existing in three persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), a doctrine known as the Trinity. This contrasts with the Hindu belief in multiple deities, often regarded as manifestations or avatars of a higher divine principle. For instance, Krishna is considered an avatar of the god Vishnu in Hindu belief.

It’s crucial to understand that, while Jesus Christ is often compared to Krishna as an incarnation of the divine, the Christian understanding of incarnation differs significantly. Jesus, the Son of God, voluntarily lowered himself, becoming human to provide salvation for humanity (Philippians 2:6-8, ESV). Thus, the story of Christ presents a direct bridge from humanity to God, a concept not mirrored in the Hindu understanding of avatars.

While the Christian and Hindu faiths have different perspectives on God, sin, and salvation, both religions emphasize the importance of leading a moral life. Both Christianity and Hinduism uphold virtues like love, compassion, humility, and service to others. The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 underscores these virtues from a Christian perspective, while similar principles can be found in Hindu scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads.

When engaging in a dialogue with Hindus, it’s vital for Christians to approach the conversation with respect and a genuine desire to understand. As followers of Christ, we must embody the love, humility, and compassion that Jesus demonstrated throughout his earthly ministry. Acts 17:16-34 provides an excellent example of how to engage in such interfaith dialogue. Here, Apostle Paul, while in Athens, identified common ground with his listeners, used it to present the Gospel, and respectfully challenged their existing beliefs.

In conclusion, while there are significant differences between Christianity and Hinduism, both religions have rich histories, moral teachings, and deep spiritual practices. As Christians, it’s our responsibility to understand these differences and engage in respectful dialogue, keeping in mind the ultimate goal of presenting the love of Christ and the hope of the Gospel.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).