Hinduism and Christianity Comparison of Term Paper

The idea of destiny in the Hindu religion is thus related to the religion's purpose, which is to come finally to union with God. Karma and the unending cycle -- samsara -- hold great sway with the Hindus. The entire religion may be viewed from this aspect.

The question and origin of Christian on the other hand comes from the history of Jesus Christ himself, who life story is preserved in the narrative of the New Testament, and predicted in the narrative of the Old Testament. Followers of Christ, who preaches charity above all things (according to the Pauline gospel), strive to live their lives in accordance with the message of salvation, redemption and charity that Christ taught through his life.

By becoming "like Christ" as St. Paul says to do, followers of Christianity can effect for themselves a new identity. Their religion is meant to transform them into better men and women by identifying with their God. Thus, the meaning and purpose of Christianity is, like in Hinduism, ultimately to come to union with God -- but in Christianity, that union comes through Christ. The goal is Heaven and it is a transcendent spiritual pursuit: it is for the soul to strive upward toward perfection, while struggling with its faults and foibles -- not for the finite to circumnavigate "the race" as the Pauline scriptures describe it for a quicker and less painful finish (1 Co 9:24-27).Christianity also has a specific morality that one must follow and this morality is found in a continuation of the 10 Commandments given to Moses. Christ simplifies them to two, essentially: love God above all else, and love your neighbor as you love yourself.

The ultimate destiny for Christians is to return to a state of happiness in Heaven with God, which was denied them after the Fall of man when the first man and woman (Adam and Eve) committed the first sin against God and were barred from Heaven. Christ came to offer himself in atonement for their sin and to open Heaven for those who merited it. Thus, the Christian's destiny is to get to Heaven and be with God. This is done "through fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12).

Reference List

New Testament. (2011.) Retrieved from http://www.devotions.net/bible/00new.htm

Sikora, J. (2002). Religions of India. Lincoln, NE: Writer's Club Press......