World Religions, Wk 16 –Comparing Hinduism to

Full gospel beliefs

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Hindu Symbols

Believe or not, the Swastika has been a Hindu symbol for centuries.

It was “borrowed” by Nazi Germany in 1920

India – Birthplace of Many ReligionsThe India is the birthplace of Seven of the world's major religions: Hinduism,

Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Zoroastrianism. Judaism and the Baha'i

Faith.According to the 2011 census:• 79.8% practice Hinduism (1.03B)• 14.2% adheres to Islam (184.6M)• 2.3% adheres to Christianity (29.9M)• 1.7% adheres to Sikhism (22.1M)

(77% live in Punjab region)

Ancient India in ~ 600 BC.

Hinduism dates back more than 4,000 years. Today, with about 900 million

followers, Hinduism is the third-largest religion behind

Christianity and Islam. From Hinduism; came:

Zoroastrianism (600 BCE), Buddhism (563 BCE), and Sikhism about 1,520’s AD.

Modern India’s Population; 1.3B

in 2019, 1.54B by 2035

Size;1.269M Sq. miles

(1/3rd USA size)

USA: ~ 3.8M Sq Miles

Words to Know About in Hinduism• Karma = literally means "action" or "doing” driven by intention (cetanā)

which leads to future consequences.

• Dharma = moral duty.

• Moksha or mukti (Reincarnation) which mean liberation and releaserespectively. Nirvana is the profound peace of mind that is finally acquired with moksha (liberation)

• A person’s deepest need is for Liberation, or Moksha

• Nirvana = a place of perfect peace and happiness, like heaven. It is the highest state that someone can attain, a state of enlightenment, meaning a person's individual desires and suffering go away.

Historical Background - I• Hinduism is the world's oldest religion, according to many scholars, with roots

and customs dating back more than 4,000 years. (so is Judaism) Today, with about 900 M followers (95% live in India).

• Started somewhere between 2300 B.C. and 1500 B.C. in the Indus Valley, near modern-day Pakistan. The Vedas (holy books in Sanskrit) were composed about 1500 B.C. to 500 B.C. This era became known as the “Vedic Period”

• Has NO one founder; but is instead a fusion of various beliefs.

• Hinduism is the third-largest religion in India behind Christianity and Islam.

• Is closely related to other Indian religions, including Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism.

• Modern offshoots are: Transcendental Meditation, Hare Krishna, New Age

Historical Background - II

• ~1500 B.C., the Indo-Aryan people migrated from the north into the Indus Valley. Their language and culture blended with that of the indigenous people living there.

• The period when the Vedas (holy books) were composed became known as the “Vedic Period” and lasted from about 1500 B.C. to 500 B.C. Rituals, such as sacrifices and chanting, were common in the Vedic Period.

• The Epic, Puranic and Classic Periods took place between 500 B.C. and 500 A.D. Hindus began to emphasize the worship of deities, especially Vishnu, Shiva and Devi.

• The concept of dharma was introduced in new texts (time unknown)

Historical Background - III

• The Medieval Period of Hinduism lasted from about 500 to 1500 A.D. New texts emerged, and poet-saints recorded their spiritual sentiments during this time.

• In the 7th century AD, Muslim Arabs began invading areas in India. During parts of the Muslim Period, which lasted from about 1200 AD to 1757 AD, Islamic rulers prevented Hindus from worshipping their deities, and some temples were destroyed.

• But now in the 21st century, Christianity has grown up to 29 million now; despite constant oppression, harassment and persecution from Hindus and Muslims. (See map on slide #11)

Early Christianity in India• According to tradition and legend, Apostle Thomas came to South India and

started the church in A.D. 52. where, he converted many to Christianity, including members of the royal family (Mundadan 25). He was martyred at Mylapore; in present-day Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

• Spanish priest, Saint Francis Xavier, arrived in Goa, India, on May 6, 1542. He expanded the Christian community westward evangelizing to those from the lower caste and outcaste. This led to Christianity become know as “the religion of the poor.” Other foreign missionaries came later and made numerous converts to Christianity.

• Britain’s East India Company came to India in 1608 for trade. They ruled in India from 1757 – 1858.

• But, following the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Britain’s Parliament passed “Government of India Act in 1858” supplanting the EIC. Britain ruled the Indian subcontinent up to 1947. They brought some missionaries during their rule.

Basic Hindu Concepts - I• Hinduism embraces many religious ideas. They refer to it as a “way of life”

or a “family of religions,” as opposed to a single, organized religion.

• Most forms of Hinduism are henotheistic (a single deity), known as “Brahman,” but still recognize other gods and goddesses. Followers believe there are multiple paths to reaching their god.

• Hindus believe in the doctrines of Samsara (the continuous cycle of life, death, and reincarnation) and karma (the universal law of cause and effect);

• Karma’s principle is the idea that people’s thoughts and actions directly determine their current life and future lives. (No external Godly influence)

Basic Hindu Concepts - II

• One of the key thoughts of Hinduism is “atman,” or the belief in soul. All living creatures have a soul, and they’re all part of the supreme soul.

• Hindus revere all living creatures and consider the cow a sacred animal.

• Most Hindus don’t eat beef or pork, and many are vegetarians.

• The goal is to achieve “moksha,” or salvation, which ends the cycle of rebirths to become part of the absolute soul.

• Hindus strive to achieve dharma, which is a code of living that emphasizes good conduct and morality.

Hinduism Holy Books

• Hindus value many sacred writings as opposed to one holy book.

• The primary sacred texts, known as the Vedas, were composed around 1500 B.C. This collection of verses and hymns was written in Sanskrit and contains revelations received by ancient saints and sages.

• The Vedas are made up of:• The Rig Veda• The Samaveda• Yajurveda• Atharvaveda

• Hindus believe that the Vedas transcend all time and don’t have a beginning or an end.

• The Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, 18 Puranas, Ramayana and Mahabharata are also considered important texts in Hinduism.

Many Hindu Gods & Goddesses

• Hindus worship many gods and goddesses in addition to Brahman, who is believed to be the supreme God force present in all things. Others are:• Brahma: the god responsible for the creation of the world and all living

things• Vishnu: the god that preserves and protects the universe; Including his

10 “Avatar” reincarnations• Shiva: the god that destroys the universe in order to recreate it• Devi: the goddess that fights to restore dharma• Krishna: the god of compassion, tenderness and love• Lakshmi: the goddess of wealth and purity• Saraswati: the goddess of learning

The Hindu Caste An over 3,000 YO social hierarchy in India that divides Hindus based on their karmaand dharma.1. Brahmin (brahman): priests, intellectual and spiritual leaders2. Kshatriyas: warrior and rulers, the protectors and public servants of society3. Vaisyas: craftsmen, skillful producers4. Shudras: laborers and servants5. Dalits: The “Untouchables” are the lowest level of the social hierarchy.• Many subcategories also exist within each caste; over 3,000 total• For centuries, the caste system determined every aspect of a person’s social,

professional and religious status in India.• When India became an independent nation, its 1950 constitution banned

discrimination based on caste. But….• Still continues in popular Hinduism; such as only marrying within a specific caste

Hindu Practices• Hindu worship, which is known as “puja,” typically takes place in the

Mandir (temple); which can be visited any time.

• Hindus can also worship at home, and many have a special shrine dedicated to certain gods and goddesses.

• The giving of offerings is an important part of Hindu worship. It’s a common practice to present gifts, such as flowers or oils, to a god or goddess.

• Additionally, many Hindus take pilgrimages to temples and other sacred sites in India.

A Hindu Mandir Temple

Where they Practice:Meditation, yoga, contemplation, yagna (communal worship), offerings in the temple.

They have: Gurus, Yogis, Rishis, Brahmins, Pundits, priests, priestesses, monks, and nuns.

Biblical Evaluation

• Philosophical Hinduism: God is an “it.” Not a person as in the Holy Bible

• Popular Hinduism: Great multitude of gods and goddesses. Polytheistic

• Full of immoral practices, fears superstitious, occultism & demon worship

• The Caste system is rigid, unjust and cruel; and still practiced

• Hinduism does recognize sin, or moral guilt. Sin is an illusion

• It is a “works system. “Salvation” takes many cycles of reincarnation

• Hinduism denies the claims of exclusive claims of Christ; and despises Christian teaching that Christ is the only way to God.

• Hinduism does not have: one book of authority, divine healing, Holy Spirit comforter/teacher, Jesus as an intercessor to God, eternal life, nor hope!

•This it for today!

•Have a great Sunday, week, and year!

References:• Boa, Kenneth, Cults, World Religions, and the Occult (Pages 15-24)

Victor Books, SP Publications, 1990

• Diffen, Compare anything, Retrieved Oct 18, 2019 from https://www.diffen.com/difference/Christianity_vs_Hinduism

• History.com Editors, Hinduism, Sept 30 2019, retrieved Oct 18, 2019 from https://www.history.com/topics/religion/hinduism