A Study on the Concept of Trinity in Christianity and Hinduism

Abstract

To make an honest and impartial comparison is really a very hard task in the field of comparative religion. Because the study of comparative religion needs a through and an all inclusive analysis about the different religions of the world. In spite of this in the present paper an attempt has been made to focus some light on the concept of Trinity that appears in two major religions viz. Hinduism and Christianity. Here the Hinduism is the world’s most ancient religion and Christianity is the largest religion of the world. In Christianity, the Holy Trinity consists of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit while in Hinduism, the concept is analogous to Trimurti. Another subject that can be reflected in these religions is the concept of afterlife. Overall, the main similarities between Hinduism and Christianity are typical of the similarities between Eastern and Western religions. Hinduism and Christianity both present a Trinitarian view of God. In both religions, the Trinity consists of three beings who are co-equal and internal. In Christianity, God is described as three persons (God, the father, God, the son and God, the Holy Spirit), but with a single divine nature. In Hinduism, the three beings are Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva; they are distinct but are one substance. In Hinduism, the three beings are the “manifestation of Brahman, or Godhead” while in Christianity they represent the one, true God. The slight difference between the two religions lies in the roles played by the three beings. For instance, the Hindu Trinity brings both joy (the good) and destruction (the bad), but the Christian Trinity brings only joy. The two compliment each other, which explains why Shiva and Brahma are inseparable. Some scholars argue that Brahma and God the father share similar attributes unlike Shiva and the Holy Spirit who are different. This is the case because the two perform distinct roles: Shiva is the world’s destroyer while the Holy Spirit acts as the comforter. Life after death is a fundamental belief in both Hinduism and Christianity. They both agree that actions, rather than beliefs, are the key determinant of fate. Hindus believe that after death, they will attain new lives. Simply put, the actions in the previous life determine the type of life one will inherit next. According to White et al. (2019), Karma, which represents the sum of actions (good or bad), is used to determine the type of rebirth; good karma means better rebirth. Christian beliefs about life after death are deeply embedded in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Similarly, the notion about heaven and hell represents the basic belief that there is life beyond the grave. Christians agree that after death, they will be taken in the presence of the Supreme Being and judged for their actions. The Roman Catholic Church believes that there is a place after death where the sins are purified (state of Purgatory). However, the purification of sin is not for everyone. Overall, the two regions believe in life after death where the actions committed during one’s lifetime determines their next life.