In the Indian subcontinent, the religion or way of life is Hinduism. The religion comprises different traditions including Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism. It embodies a wide spectrum of prescriptions and laws based on societal norms (Shattuck and Smart 96). It is categorically founded on distinct philosophical or intellectual viewpoints.
Hinduism, as a religion has several features. They believe that God is one with diverse names and that Brahman or the Supreme Being is omnipotent and omnipresent. Another feature is that the soul (Atman) is immortal and that the one should enjoy life abundantly and then aspire for salvation. Another feature in the Hindu religion is that it has no founder and no prophet either. The goal of the religion is not confined to pleasures promised in paradise (Myrtle 52).
As seen, Hinduism had no founder nor any prophets. They believe in Brahman, who is a universal soul or God. To Hindus, there is a part of Brahman in everyone, and they call it Atman. In Hinduism, there are two types of texts that are the Shruti and the Smriti. The Vedas that comprise Shruti are divinely revealed and as such, sacred (Shattuck and Smart 27). The other category forming the Smriti includes the Puranas, Shastras, and the Itihaasas.
There are differences between Christianity and Hinduism. For instance, Hindus worship in the temple while Christians worship in churches. Hindus practice meditation, yoga, offerings in temples, contemplation and yagna (communal worship). On the other hand, Christians practice prayer, sacraments, charity, worship in churches, and reading the bible. The origin of Christianity is in the Roman province of Judea while that of Hinduism is in the Indian subcontinent (Myrtle 12).
Though both Hinduism and Christianity are popular world religions, they differ in many aspects and practices.
Works Cited
Langley, Myrtle. Eyewitness Religion. New York, NY: Dorling Kindersley Publishing, 2012. Print.
Shattuck, Cybelle, and Ninian Smart. Religions of the World: Hinduism. London: Routledge, 1999. Print.
