World View

Hinduism believes that there is one universal god called Brahman and everyone has a part of Brahman in them. Brahman is “the eternal origin who is the cause and foundation of all existence” (Barrow, Mandy, Information on Hinduism for Kids www.chiddingstone.kent.sch.uk). Brahman is believed to take many forms, one aspect is the god Brahma, known as the creator. Brahma is married to Saraswathi, the goddess of learning and wisdom. It is understood that Saraswathi endows Brahma with the knowledge needed for creation.

Humans and animals have a similar essence and should be regarded as partners in search of eternal oneness (Weider and Gutierrez; pg, 58). Since everything is equal to the Hindu believer then humans have no actual value above any other living creature. All life is to be treated as sacred because all life is one.

The highest purpose of a Hindu believer is to reach Moksha. “Moksha is the release of the soul from the cycle of rebirth” (Barrow, Mandy, Information on Hinduism for Kids www.chiddingstone.kent.sch.uk). In order to reach this goal one must live each life better than the one before through reincarnation.

“Karma is known as the law of retribution”, meaning, you reap what you sow. (Hindson and Caner pg, 264). The actions you take in this life will determine your status in the next life. A Hindu believer is expected to live their life in pursuit of pleasure and wealth but at the same time achieve these goals through harmony and liberation.

Nirvana is the ultimate goal in Hinduism. To obtain nirvana is to reach a state of nothingness, wherein the cycle of reincarnation (birth and rebirth) has ended and the soul becomes one with Brahman.

Christians believe that God has no beginning or end and although created by Him, we are not considered part of the being of God. (Genesis 1:26) Brahman is also believed to be eternal and all creation is a part of him and therefore all are god. So in Hinduism all living creatures are eternal...