Hinduism And Christianity Similarities

1095 Words5 Pages

Benchmark – Non–Christian symbols

Emery Vincent
Grand Canyon University
COM-263 – Intercultural Communication
Professor Name
April 29, 2023

Benchmark – Non-Christian Symbols
Hinduism and Christianity are two major religions that are rich in symbolism and rituals. Both religions use symbols and rituals to express and celebrate their faith, and to connect with the divine. Although these two religions' symbols and rituals have many differences, they also have many similarities. This essay will compare Hinduism and Christianity by the symbols and rituals used, examine their similarities and differences, and explore how this knowledge can be used to convey the gospel and avoid theological misunderstandings.
Hinduism is a religion …show more content…

It is a monotheistic religion that centers on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Some of the most important symbols and rituals in Christianity include the Cross, the baptism ritual, Worship services, and the Christmas and Easter festivals. The Cross is the most important symbol in Christianity and represents the sacrifice that Jesus made for the salvation of humanity. It is often worn as a necklace or displayed in churches and homes. The baptism ritual is a ritual of initiation into the Christian faith that involves the pouring or immersion of water over the head of a person. It symbolizes the washing away of sins and the rebirth of the individual as a follower of Christ. Worship services like church “involve praising God in music and speech, readings from scripture, prayers of various sorts, a sermon, and various holy ceremonies (often called sacraments) such as the Eucharist” (Religion. 2009. Para.1). The Christmas and Easter festivals are two of the most important festivals in Christianity that celebrate the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They involve attending church, singing hymns, and exchanging …show more content…

One of the key ways to do this is to listen and learn from the people themselves. Missionaries and evangelists should seek to understand the cultural context and the meanings behind the symbols and rituals of the people they are working with. In addition, it is important to find common ground between the symbols and rituals of the culture and the message of Christ. For example, the concept of sacrifice is present in both Hinduism and Christianity. In Hinduism, sacrifices are made to appease the gods and gain blessings, while in Christianity, sacrifice is seen as a way of imitating Christ and offering oneself to God. By highlighting the similarities between the two concepts, missionaries can help people see how the message of Christ fits into their cultural context. At the same time, it is also important to be aware of potential misunderstandings or misinterpretations that may arise from the use of symbols and rituals. For example, the concept of karma in Hinduism may be misunderstood as a form of works-based salvation, while in Christianity, salvation is a gift from God that cannot be earned through good deeds. Therefore, it is important to clarify the theological differences and explain the message of Christ in a way that is clear and understandable within the cultural context. Hinduism and Christianity