Hindu, Christianitity, and Islam

Reading Report 2

The diverse cultures in the world have many different beliefs of what is and is not acceptable. Numerous civilizations base their principles of what is right and wrong on religious beliefs. This reading report focuses on Hindu, Christian, and Islamic values and the rewards the believers receive by being faithful. These religions are all dissimilar in many ways; however, they are similar in the concept of their moral standards. Ashoka, emperor of India's Maurayan Dynasty, developed the Seven Pillar Edicts to reform what is expected of those who follow Buddhism. He uses the term Dhamma, which is the duty or righteous behavior. The pillars explain that one cannot truly be happy unless he or she follows the Dhamma. Ashoka describes the Dhamma by stating, "It includes little evil, much good, kindness, generosity, truthfulness and purity." The pillars continue to describe the ways of following the Dhamma. Ashoka gives these final instructions, "Protect with Dhamma, to make happiness through Dhamma and to guard with Dhamma." The Bhahavad-Gita is a document based on the introduction of new Hindu beliefs. It is a story that is about a battle between Arjuna and Krishna. In the legend, Krishna explains to Arjuna that he has no reason to be upset about killing others, because their soul will not die. The story tells its readers, "But knows that which pervades this universe is imperishable." The text represents the promising of life after death. It demonstrates that the only way to receive this salvation is to follow their responsibilities as a Hindu.

The Sermon on the Mount focuses on the Christians belief of what is right and wrong. The sermon consists of many teachings by Jesus. Jesus instructs not to kill, to commit adultery, to steal, to judge or to swear. He says that as Christians, when something bad is done to them, they do not respond by evil ways. Christians are supposed to show compassion to those who have wronged them. Jesus also says that we are to love not only our neighbors but our enemies as well. The Sermon on the Mount says that Christians must follow these rules and not be hypocritical. Jesus also teaches that Christians must develop a relationship with God and they must strive to follow his will throughout every day. The Qur'an is a religious text based on Islamic beliefs. It was written by a man named Muhammad. According to their belief, God told Muhammad to serve as the last prophet. He wrote the Qur'an based on God's revelations to him. It states that believers of the Qur'an are to serve God by doing good deeds and having faith in God. The book also serves as a warning for those who do not believe. It states multiple times that non -believers will be doomed in Hell for eternity. By comparing these documents, Christian and Islamic beliefs are the most alike. Believers of the Christian and Islamic