World Religions: Christianity and Hinduism

Study Notes

Humanity was separated from God through sin, but salvation is possible through Jesus Christ's sacrifice.
Belief in the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Angels were created by God with specific roles, including archangels like Michael and Gabriel.
Other angels include cherubim, seraphim, thrones, and guardian angels assigned to humans.
Salvation is achieved through Jesus' sacrifice, offering grace and communion with God, emphasizing faith and repentance.
The Bible (Old and New Testaments) is the scripture. Old Testament covers history and law, and New Testament covers the life and teachings of Jesus.
Afterlife is eternal life in Heaven or Hell, based on faith and deeds.

A diverse collection of religious traditions without a single founder or unified doctrine.
Over 1.25 billion adherents, primarily in India.
Reincarnation: The soul is reborn in different forms after death.
Karma: Actions determine one's destiny.
Dharma: Righteous duty aligned with cosmic order.
Samsara: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Moksha: Liberation from samsara, the ultimate spiritual goal.
Polytheistic, with a pantheon including Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva (destroyer).
Figures like Mahatma Gandhi emphasized non-violence.
Practices like yoga and meditation are globally popular.
Scriptures include Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Ramayana.
Afterlife involves reincarnation until moksha is achieved.

Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) in the 5th century BCE.
Four Noble Truths: Suffering exists, has a cause, can end, and there is a path to end it.
Eightfold Path: Right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
Rejects the idea of a creator god, focusing on personal effort for enlightenment.
Tripitaka (Pali Canon) and Mahayana Sutras are the scriptures.
Rebirth until nirvana (end of suffering) is achieved.

One of the oldest monotheistic religions, founded over 3,500 years ago.
Key events: Exodus from Egypt, giving of the Ten Commandments.
Monotheistic, with God as the creator and omnipotent ruler.
Central prayer: Shema ("Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One").
A future temporal leader (Messiah) to restore the Kingdom of David.
Jews reject Jesus as the Messiah.
The Torah guides life and ethics, and the Talmud offers commentary.
Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), including Torah, Prophets (Nevi'im), and Writings (Ketuvim) are the scriptures.
Focus on ethical living and awaiting the Messiah.
Afterlife focuses on ethical living and awaiting the Messiah.

Monotheistic; Allah is the sole God, with Muhammad as his prophet.
Pride and rebellion are humanity's failings; submission to Allah (Islam) is the virtue.
Five Pillars: Shahada (faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), Hajj (pilgrimage).
Salvation is based on faith, good deeds, and submission to Allah's will.
Tauba (repentance) can redeem sinners.
The Quran (holy book) and Hadith (prophet's sayings) are the scriptures.
Souls are judged on the Day of Judgment and sent to Paradise or Hell.