This paper examines worldviews in Christianity and Hinduism, which are the two ancient religions across the globe. The evaluation discusses the questions of origin, identity, meaning or purpose, morality, and destiny in each of the religions. This is followed by a discussion of the similarities and differences of each of these aspects in Hinduism and Christianity.
Hinduism and Christian Worldview:
A worldview can be described as a person's interpretation or perspective of the world around himself or herself. While this perspective or interpretation is developed over time, it's usually influenced by various factors including personality and the environment. However, this concept has several varying definitions because it includes a variety of emotions, meaning, and probable outcomes. In some cases, a worldview is described as the unifying outlook with which thoughts regarding different aspects in life are organized. This implies that a worldview is a person's or group's philosophy about life.
Biblical/Christian Worldview:
Since an individual's worldview is developed over time and influenced by what a person learns and experiences, Christianity and Hinduism are some of the major religions with different worldviews. Christianity is a religion whose question of origin is based on the belief that humans were created by the one and only mighty God (Genesis 1:27). This perspective also believes that the Almighty God created the entire world and everything in it during a 6-day creation period. The 6-day creation period culminated with the creation of a man and woman i.e. Adam and Eve on the sixth day from whom the global population has its origin.
With regards to the issue of identity, Christians maintain that humans are unique and purposeful creations of God. According to Genesis 1:28-30 and Genesis 2:15, mankind was not only created in God's image and likeliness, but was also given the authority to rule over the earth through caring for plant life and livestock (Gutierrez & Weider, 2011, p.58).
On the question of meaning or purpose, Christianity worldview affirms that the sole reason for mankind's existence is to glorify her creator i.e. God. Glorifying the creator is a process that is accomplished through various means such as prayer, worship, thanksgiving, and obedience (Psalms 95 and Philippians 2:12-13). Moreover, the basis of glorifying God is cultivating a significant and intense personal relationship with God whose end goal is to have eternal life that benefits the person with the infinite glory of God.
The question of morality i.e. The meaning of right and wrong in Christianity originates from the person of God who provided humans with law that acts as the foundation. In this case, God established morality rather than leaving it as an issue for mankind to figure out. However, the question of morality is answered by salvation from the righteous judgment of God following mankind's rejection of the law of God on morality (Romans 3:23).
John 14:6 answers the question of destiny where Christians belief in life after death either with the Holy Trinity in heaven or in Satan's hell. This belief is based on the consideration of heaven and hell as literal places rather than figurative places. For one to go to heaven, he or she must be justified through believing and accepting Jesus Christ's sacrifice. The failure to believe in the life, death, burial and resurrection of the Son of God result in eternal separation from God in hell (Romans 6:23).
Impact of a Biblical Worldview:
The biblical worldview may influence how I think about, speak, and treat others on a daily basis by necessitating the use of biblical principles in these processes. The major biblical principle that would be used in my treatment of other, speech, and thoughts is the instructions in Ephesians 4:29-32. In this case, I am instructed to avoid corrupt speech while encouraging others, to show kindness, to demonstrate love, to forgive others, and to seek to live in peace with others. In addition, the biblical worldview influences me to show great concern and care to the environment by preserving and safeguarding the earth and its creatures. Therefore, environmental responsibility is a major aspect of my relationship with God.
Hinduism Worldview:
Together with Christianity, Hinduism is one of the most ancient religions with a literature whose origin can be traced back to the commencement of the recorded history. Unlike the Christian worldview, Hinduism worldview may be very confusing with regards to the issue of origin. The confusion emanates from Hindu's believe in so many different Gods, which contributes to the existence of many different sects in the religion. However, these sects worship Braham, which implies that their origin is from Braham, the creator God (Achari, 2013).
On the question of identity, Hindus maintain that all living beings are manifestations of God regardless of their forms (Hays, 2011). Actually, Hindus believe that all living creatures have essentially equal souls and that humans do are not superior to other creatures. As a result, they even worship plants and animals because they provide food.
The question of meaning or purpose is Hindu is based on belief in four goals in life i.e. pleasure, wealth, harmony, and liberation. Pleasure and wealth consume every individual since they contribute to suffering while harmony and liberation fulfills them. As a result, Hindus belief of salvation is to conquer pleasure and wealth, which are evil desires and obtain moksha.
With regards to the issue of morality, Hinduism's worldview is characterized with a pursuit to be moksha. In order to attain moksha, Hindus need to release all wrongs and evil doings through yoga, right living, practices, and dharma. The achievement of this contributes to an increasingly desirable reincarnation,
The previous question is closely linked to the question of destiny, in which Hindus believe in reincarnation, where the present body is transformed into a new body after death. The new body can be a plant, an animal, or human depending on the kind of life they have. In addition, Hindus can become part of a god-essence after reaching nirvana, the highest place.
Comparing and Contrasting:
Christianity and Hinduism worldviews are similar with regards to two most significant factors that link the two religions. These factors are the belief in God's love for mankind and incarnation of God as well as the cultivation of love for and commitment to an intensely personal God. These similarities are demonstrated in the spiritual status of Christ and Krishna, who is the major Hindu incarnation of God (Wolfe, 1995). In relation to the issue of origin, both Christianity and Hinduism are centered on the belief that they were created by God though the Christian worldview is more specific. Christians believe that God's created all things from nothing while Hindus believe in approximately 330,000 gods.
With regards to identity, Christians believe that humans are superior to and in charge of others creatures while Hindus believe that no creature is superior to the other. Despite having different views about animals, Hindus worship animals and plants because they consider them as food sources. The question of meaning or purpose in Christianity is based on belief that mankind was created to glorify God by cultivating a relationship with him through salvation. While Hindus also believe in salvation, their worldview about this concept differs from Christian's perspective since the former believes in attaining salvation through conquering evil desires and becoming moksha.
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