By Hank Hanegraaff

Although Hinduism is multifaceted rather than mono- lithic, its basic tenets with respect to God, humanity, and salvation can be summed up as follows.

First, Hindus suppose that ultimate reality (Brahman) is an impersonal oneness that transcends all distinctions, including personal and propositional differentiations. Put another way, all of reality is a continuum or simplified whole. As such, there is no distinction between morals and mice.

Furthermore, Hindus hold that humans, in concert with the rest of the universe, are a continuous extension of Brahman. Thus, our illusory individuated selves (atman) are one with the impersonal cosmic consciousness of the universe—“atman is Brahman and Brahman is atman.”

Finally, the Hindu scriptures (Vedas and Upanishads) teach the goal of humanity as liberation from an endless cycle of death and reincarnation (samsara). Liberation (moksha) from samsara is attained when we realize that our individual selves are an illusion and all is one. Until such enlightenment is achieved, the law of karma dictates that our deeds in previous lives determine whether we are reborn as man, monkey, or mosquito; woman, walrus, or wasp.

While the Hindu scriptures tout the hell of reincarnation, the Holy Scriptures teach the hope of resurrection. The solution to the fear of karmic reincarnation is faith in our Kinsman Redeemer.

Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer,
And He who formed you from the womb: “I am the
Lord, who makes all things, Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself; Who frustrates the signs of the babblers, And drives diviners mad;
Who turns wise men backward,
And makes their knowledge foolishness.

Isaiah 44:24–25 NKJV

 

For further study, see Dean Halverson, The Illustrated Guide to World Religions (Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 2003).

***Note the preceding text is adapted from a new Revised and Updated version of The Complete Bible Answer Book that is forthcoming. When available we will update this page with corresponding information. Until then you can still purchase or receive for your partnering gift the current version by clicking here for purchase or here for partnering gift. ***