Comparison between Christianity and Hinduism based on the seven dimensions of religion - Essay Example

On experiential and emotional dimension, Hinduism believes in Brahma the mother Goddess and the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu is the protector and Shiva the Destroyer and several hundreds of gods thought to emanate from the mother Goddess Brahman. In this tradition, God and trinity are one in their purest form and mother Goddess is worshipped. In the Christian traditions, God and the trinity are quite different. Some Christians worship Virgin Mary as the Holy mother. On narrative Christian traditions describe Earths creation, starting with the universe and final creation of man.

Additionally, the early life of Gods creations is described, this forms the Old Testament in the bible, and later on the life of Jesus is narrated. In Hinduism, formation of the universe has been narrated, basing on the fact that it formed through a gradual process caused by Prakrit. On Social and institutional approach there are no rules on how God reveals himself, or how he chooses messengers in Hinduism. God incarnates himself, physically reveals himself or as such, chooses heavenly beings or a pure soul to accomplish his work.

It is believed that, his final incarnation will happen at the end of this cosmic period. However, in Christian traditions it is believed that Jesus is no equal to man. it is believed that no more messiahs will come, until only the second coming of Christ. On ethical and legal rules, Hinduism believes in forgiveness, prayers, inner purity, as a way for earning Gods grace, and as a way for soul liberation. In the Christian traditions, such beliefs are the means by which man abides by Gods law and indeed personify the will of Jesus Christ as well as Christian values.

Liberation from sin is not personally achieved but it is through the faith in Jesus and the teaching on Gods law. On Doctrinal and philosophical dimension, the bible forms the basis for the Christian principles and values. Indeed the Roman church acknowledges traditions in line with the bible as the primary source for the doctrine. Christianity has been instrumental in the shaping of Islam and Jainism. In Hinduism, the pillars of the traditions originate from the smritis, or as such the books of revelation.

As such traditions, the epics, law books, and the writing of different philosophers serves as a guide to the spiritual life of the Hindus. Notably, Hinduism has been instrumental in shaping the history of Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. Lastly, on material Christians use Palm branches as a symbol of victory. The burning bush depicts Gods divine power. In Hinduism, the Om or Aum has been used as a symbol for piety where it is enshrined in Hindu temples and some family shrines. As such Om has been used to symbolize divinity, as well as authority.

In addition, swastika is used which symbolizes the eternal nature of Brahman. Christian sub traditions include Catholicism, orthodox Christians, Protestants and Anglicanism. The catholic doctrines proclaim that the church is infallible to the dogmatic teaching on morality and faith. Protestants belief in bible authority, while Orthodox Christians is a set of governing churches affiliated to the eastern Christian traditions. In Hinduism, the main sub traditions include the Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and Shaivism as well as, Smartism.

As such the denominations share common rituals and belief as well as, traditions. However, each denomination has its own philosophy concerning the achievement of the ultimate goal in life. As In this denomination, a follower believes in the deity Vishnu. Secondly, Shaivism forms the second largest religious community