World Religions: Part 3, Hinduism

World Religions

Part 3: Hinduism

History of Hinduism

        Caste System:

                 Brahmins

                 Kshatriyas

                 Vaisyas

                 Shudras

                 Untouchables                          

Foundation of Hinduism

        Reincarnation          

        Karma

Four Paths to Moksha (Salvation):

        Karma

        Bhakti

        Jnana

        Raja

Nine Core Beliefs of Hinduism:

1.   Reverence for their revealed scriptures

2.   All-pervasive divinity

3.   Three worlds and Cycles of creation

4.   The laws of Karma and Dharma

5.   Reincarnation and Liberation

6.   Temples and the Inner Worlds

7.   Yoga guided by Satguru

8.   Compassion and Noninjury

9.   Genuine Respect for other faiths

Key Differences from Christianity:

1.   In Hinduism, Jesus is not god, but one of the many incarnations of Vishnu

                          John 1:1-2, 14

2.   Hindus believe in Reincarnation and Multiple paths to Salvation

                 Hebrews 9:26b-27

Takeaway:

Hinduism is more of a philosophy than a theology, and any religion that seeks god within themselves is too small. More importantly, Hinduism, like every other religion other than Christianity, does not worship a Living God.

Study/Discussion Questions:

1. What is a Worldview? What questions does it answer?

2. Describe your own worldview by answering some of these questions.

3. What is Polytheism?  What is Theism?

4. What in world history produced the rise in Deism? In what ways does this still affect us today?

5. What is Syncretism?

6. In what ways does our worldview affect our personal behavior?

7. How would you defend your belief in the existence of God?

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