Hebrew Bible (Genesis-1-22) and Bhagavad-Gita
Similarities between Christianity and Hinduism are often acknowledged. Part of what is similar to Christian teachings is found in the Bhagavad Gita and revealed by Krishna, the supreme god of Hinduism. God is, in Christian belief, the creator of the world and the Supreme Being. Likewise, in the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna is recognized as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Arjuna addresses Krishna as the one "that knoweth no deterioration" (Brishma Parva 55) thus, acknowledging Krishna as supreme power that cannot be altered. Moreover, such as God sent his only son into the world to serve humanity, Krishna is at Arjuna's service, although he never ceases to exercise his divine character. Krishna responds to his devotee's requests and Arjuna, unable to find the answer to his struggles, turns to the Lord for guidance. In the Bible, God guides Noah and saves him from the flood and is also the guiding force that leads Abraham into the land of Canaan: "Now the Lord said unto Abram: 'Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto the land that I will show thee." (Genesis Chapter 12.1) Thus, neither Krishna nor God fail to show their affection and caring for the devotees.
In section XXV of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna is addressed as Hrishikesa which, in English translation, implies that the Lord is in control of the senses, meaning no sense known by man can be unknown and unrevealed to Krishna. Therefore, it is acknowledged that the Lord has power above man's senses and is indeed superior to them. Krishna is also referred to as "the slayer of Madhu:" "How, O slayer of Madhu, can I with arrows contend in battle… " (XXVI 57) Madhu, in Hindu mythology is a demon who, along with his brother Kaitabha, conspired to annihilate Brahma. As the legend conveys, both were destroyed by Krishna. In the Bible, God's power is also incommensurable to that of the serpent that might have had influence over Adam and Eve but was nevertheless punished by God: 'Because thou hast done this, cursed art thou from among all cattle, and from among all beasts of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life." (Genesis Chapter 3.17) Therefore, God and Krishna are the positive force and light that combat evil and are not subject to devilish influence, neither is the demon's or the serpent's power a match to that of the divine. Furthermore, their supreme power is thus more so entailed.
God tested Abraham's devotion by requesting that his only son be given as burnt -- offering. Abraham complied and took Isaac to the land of Moriah to complete the sacrifice. However, his devotion was acknowledged by God who saved Abraham's son. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna acknowledged that, "in olden times, the Lord of creation, creating man and Sacrifice together, said, - flourish by means of this [Sacrifice]. Let this [Sacrifice] be to you (all) the dispenser of all objects cherished by you." (XXVII 64) Thus, God, by asking Abraham to sacrifice his only son, is reflected into Krishna's teachings who emphasizes the interrelation between man and divinity and that man is, first and foremost, to put devotion before all other personal attachments. However, for the first time, we are revealed that, although Krishna is identified as the Supreme Personality of Godhead in the Bhagavad Gita, he nevertheless does not possess the same attribute as God in the Bible. Whereas God is known and indicated to have created the world with everything in it, Krishna refers not to himself as the creator but indeed marks the existence of the "Lord of creation" in "olden times." Furthermore, he acknowledges that the Lord of creation had also created man along with Sacrifice, thus, once again, the act of creation is being...
Morality in Sacred Texts: A study in similarities Although many site the concepts of faith and belief to be of paramount importance in the study of any major religion, especially with regard to study originating within any particular religion, there remains a striking aspect of similarity between most major religions when the concept of morality is introduced. Indeed, although the theological basis of the four major world religions -- Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity,
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now