The Afterlife in Christianity and Hinduism

There are so many different beliefs on the after-life. Therefore, I am interested in knowing the different believes in different religions. Christianity interested me because it is the largest religion in the world today, and there is no other religion today, that affects our world to the extent that Christianity does. Hinduism is also interesting because it is a complex religion, with millions of gods, fluid scriptures and a confusing sequence of life, death, judgment, reward, punishment, and reincarnation. In this paper, I want to explain the similarities and the difference of the afterlife beliefs between the religions of Christianity and Hinduism. My inquiry question is: what are the similarities and the difference of the afterlife beliefs in Christianity and Hinduism? One resource I will be using is the book, The World's Religions by Huston Smith. I will also be using different internet sources that relate to my topic.

Christianity's beliefs on the after-life can be cut into two very broad groups--those of Orthodox Christianity, such as the Roman Catholic Church, and those of the Protestant Church. Orthodox Christianity is much easier to categorize, while Protestant churches have a wide range of doctrine and belief. However It is possible to get the general beliefs from the holy book of Christianity, the Bible, while ignoring the many interpretations.

Christians believe in the immortality of the soul, which means an after-life. Christians believe that human beings are created by God to live eternally in companionship with him. They believe that right after death souls will go through judgment. In the judgment, its determined wheatear the soul will enter Heaven or Hell. Souls who believed in Jesus' work and expressed that faith in a positive way will enter Heaven. In heaven, they live for all eternity in the presence of God. In the bible, Heaven is described as a place of enormous size and beauty. The main focus is God and constant worship of him. There is no suffering in Heaven. Souls who refused to believe in Jesus and expressed that faith in a negative way will enter hell. In hell, they either are tortured for all eternity, or cease to exist, depending on the interpretation. Hell is described as a place of fire and darkness.

The Roman Catholic Church believes that before some souls enter heaven, they have to go through Purgatory. Some souls are not sufficiently free from sin and therefore they have must first go through purgatory. Purgatory is the condition or process of purification in which the souls of those who die in a state of grace are made ready for Heaven. Souls are cleansed from their past sins until they are ready to enter Heaven

Christians are saved by accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior, an intensely spiritual and personal move. Some Christians believe that this salvation can be lost through a series of sin. According to the Roman Catholic Church, a Christian must perform good works in order to keep the faith. Even those who don't believe in either of the previous doctrines believe that Christians will be judged for their actions in life, even if said actions aren't the basis for their eternal destination. The importance of spiritual and outward actions has motivated Christians throughout the centuries to pursue "good works."

Results of this motivation vary in intention with widespread effects. The most powerful example would have to be the charity and aid offered by Christians in every shape and form. While it cannot be said that every Christian is motivated by his outlook on the after-life to perform good works, the Bible promises eternal rewards to those who selflessly serve others. Examples of good works are providing for widows and orphans, helping the poor and needy, and spreading the "good news" (Gospel) of Jesus Christ's birth, death, and resurrection. The last is made expedient through the knowledge of what happens to those who are not Christians. The concept of Hell has been a strong motivator for evangelistic actions throughout the centuries. Major Christian evangelistic movements occurred in the 1st and 2nd centuries A.D., as well as during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Organizations such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Compassion International, and Habitat for Humanity all began as Christian organizations to provide for the poor, homeless and other needy people.

The Hinduism belief on the after-life is reincarnation and rebirth. The Hindu's soul goes through countless cycles of reincarnation, where he/she is sometimes punished or rewarded for past lives to try to obtain spiritual neutrality (not good or bad). This process of reincarnation is not judged by a god, but is rather the natural process of karma, which is the action of which the soul takes on. Many creatures (such as the cow and rat) must be treated with respect, because souls can be reincarnated in more than just human bodies.

There are many factors that determine what happens to a Hindu's soul after death. One is the Hindu's previous deeds. If the soul has committed many bad deeds in his life, he or she will go to lower worlds, where he will suffer the consequences of his bad actions. However, if he has done good deeds, he will go to the higher sun filled worlds and enjoy life. Another factor is the Hindu's state of mind at the time of death. Which means, whatever thought and desires were in his consciousness