Hinduism is an integral part of the world’s religions, and there is no doubt that Christianity has succeeded in building its attitude toward this denomination. According to Light (2017), “Christian approaches to Hinduism are diverse but tend to study sacred texts, ways of life, or philosophy. Consequently, it is appropriate to view Hinduism as a sacred doctrine filled with a unique philosophy, but it is difficult to call it a religion. In fact, “Hinduism resists the definition of religion… because it is a tradition-filled with different… beliefs and practices” (Light, 2017, p. 133). Moreover, the Hindu manifestations of faith itself are also different, as “Some persons believe in a… God; others in an impersonal principle; and still others in a deity that they consider to be… the absolute” (Light, 2017, p. 140). As a result, Hinduism itself is a highly differentiated faith, and Christianity, as one of the pillars of the world’s religions, must account for all its cultural diversity.
Thus, the use of the dialogical method does justice to the diversity of religions throughout the world and within Hinduism. Despite the significant assumptions that divide them from other religions, Hindus and Orthodox Christians share the potential of the divine symbol in the human being. However, this was not always the case: ” Until the early nineteenth century, Christianity and Hinduism came into contact… as competitors for devotees” (Light, 2017, p. 143). Over time these contradictions and competition were suppressed so that the two faiths came to regard each other “as partners seeking information or spiritual exchange” (Light, 2017, p. 143). Thus, the transcendent principles and theological reasons embedded in sacred books propagated by scholars influence the Hindu way of life. Among the oldest sacred texts are the Vedas, consisting of hymns, chants, prescriptions of rituals, and various stories that define the rhythm of Hindu religious life.
The many gods worshipped by Hindus are considered manifestations of one God, each one distinguished by a particular posture or weapon. In worship and conviction, Christianity offers the fullness of truth and beauty in its pursuit of holiness. Christians worship one God, whom they consider the most powerful, and Jesus Christ as the only incarnation of God. Orthodox Christianity places great emphasis on what they call the mission of Christ and emphasizes that all men are created in the image of God. Unlike Hindu traditions, they operate within a cyclical view of creation.
As for the revolutionary change in Christian attitudes toward Hinduism, it has grown considerably. Hindus who converted to Christianity during colonization have not converted back to Hinduism, making me question it. My thoughts on the religion of Hinduism as influenced by those who have sought other religions is that Hinduism is a complicated religion to understand. However, Hindus do not have to convert to Christianity to find salvation.
Reference
Light, A. U. (2017). An outsider’s perspective. In P. Valkenberg (Ed.), World religions in dialogue, enhanced edition: A comparative theological approach (Enhanced ed., pp. 133–146). Anselm Academic.