Hinduism and Orthodoxy

Hinduism differs so much from Christianity it is difficult to find common ground.

Similarities:

• In Hinduism the goal is unity with the divine (Atman at one with Brahman); In Christianity the goal is communion with the divine (God). Individuality is preserved. Oneness in purpose, but not oneness in essence.

• In Hinduism the basic human condition is one of suffering; In Christianity we suffer because of separation from God. That which promotes separation is called sin. The root cause of suffering in both religions is selfishness.

Differences:

• Hinduism teaches that the universe is in an eternal state of birth, maintenance, destruction, and rebirth; In Christianity there is no such cycle. At some particular point in history God will transform the universe and reunite with his creation in perfect communion.

• Hinduism is a personal approach towards the divine; In Orthodox Christianity the relationship is communal. Everything we do, good or bad, affects all of creation directly or indirectly. We are all in this together.

The Hindu "Trinity"

Within modern Hinduism there is a kind of "Trinity" known as the Trimurti, in which the cosmic functions of creation, maintenance, and destruction are personified by the forms of Brahma the creator, Vishnu the maintainer or preserver and Shiva the destroyer or transformer. This is reflective of their belief in a cycle of birth, maintenance and destruction. Some scholars have tried to equate Brahma with God the Father, Vishnu with God the Son, and Shiva with God the Holy Spirit. This might be somewhat useful in order to put things in a context that Hindus can understand, but doing this can be precarious because they are not, in fact, equal.