Introduction
Religion has been cited to be one o the ways through which good morals are imparted to individuals. This is mainly because of the inspiring messages and procedures that are contain in religious books, which inspire people towards morality. The bible and The Bhagavad-Gita are examples of books that believers refer to whenever they want to be inspired towards good works. They contain stories of great people who stood beyond odds to earn them a good name. They also contain procedures that if keenly followed by an individual, he or she is able to cultivate virtues in this world that seems evil. In this paper, we shall be focusing on the some early chapters of the book of genesis in the bible and The Bhagavad-Gita. We shall be looking at the characters mentioned and why they are remembered many years after they perished.
The Hebrew Bible Genesis 1-4, 6-9, 11, 12, 17, 18, 21 and 22
In the Hebrew bible, chapters in the book of genesis tell us more about the founding fathers of Christian religion. It mentions on how the creation was like and the authority that God gave man, which was later taken away from him. The scriptures are both filled with characters that positively imparted their environment by their obedience to God as well as those who disobeyed and had to suffer for it. In al this, the bible is aimed at teaching us that there is punishment for disobedience yet one can always be pardoned when they admit their wrong doings and plead for mercy (Clinton 73). In all this verses, God wants to teach us the value of respect and obedience. From the beginning when God created man and the universe, he gave him certain commands, which had to be obeyed to the later. However, when he disobeyed them, he was subject to punishment.
We observe God showing favor to certain characters such as Abraham, Noah and Abel. The favor he showed to them was an indication that for those who obey and do the right thing will rewarded. However, to characters such as Cain and Hagar who disrespected God, he punished them for the mistakes they had done. However, they were pardoned by the merciful God after they admitted their sins and asked for forgiveness. By using these characters, God wanted to reveal to that when one chooses to follow the path of righteousness, they will gain favor. For the people who chose to act contrary to what God has commanded, even though he will pardon them when they repent, there is a price they will have to pay. In this case, a person will reap the fruits of his or her actions whether they are positive or negative.
The Bhagavad-Gita, fourth century B.C.E fourth century C.E
The Bhagavad-Gita is a Hindu religious manuscript that highlights on the virtues that are to be followed by an individual. This includes a religious ritual that needs to be adopted by believers if they have to live in peace with everyone. The manuscript mainly focuses on happiness and satisfaction, which are basic ingredients for a good life. This however will only come when an individual learns to love and respect their neighbors. Believers can draw their inspiration from learning the value of obeying their maker who will ultimately guide them through. They also need to fill their minds and their hearts with religious teachings, which they should ultimately aspire to practice (Krishnadas 4). Bhagavad-Gita insists on the fact that having theoretical knowledge about the truth and not following it is all in vain. There is however, recognition of the fact that it is not easy to live such truths considering the wickedness in the world. This is why people need to be guided by the verses and seek divine guidance from their creator.
Comparison
When we compare the two passage of verses, Hebrew Bible Genesis and Bhagavad-Gita we realize a similarity in the way the issue of respect has been addressed. It is important for people to realize that it is only God who has the divine power to guide us in the right ways. It is paramount for us to pay allegiance to him by following his ordinances. We are all spiritual beings who can only survive through spiritual interventions. We realize that the material things of the world cannot guarantee us ultimate satisfaction no matter how much we work hard. By serving God and walking according to his audience. The scriptures give us a clear direction that we need to follow and the do’s and don’ts that will ensure we attain a higher level of spirituality and satisfaction (Clinton 114). There is also an emphasis on punishment for disobedience, which needs to be taken positively if we are to succeed in life. We can avoid any form of punishment from God if we learn to love and respect him. According to the scriptures, we realize that when we learn to love and respect a God we cannot see we will not have issues relating with the people around us.
Works cited
Clinton, Jerome. The Norton Anthology of World Literature, Volume 1. London: W.W. Norton &
Company, 2009.
Krishnadas, Kristi. Bhagavad Gita: The Spiritual Song. New York: Trafford Publishing, 2010.
