History Essay first draft

 

Christian Schmude

History 111

The religions of Hebrew and Hinduism are two of the world’s oldest faiths, having been around since the ancient Egyptian society was at its peak. To this day they are not only still among the most researched by historians but are still in effect; they continue to be taught today and will still be here for generations to come. It is not difficult to see both the similarities and differences in both religions, both obvious and not so obvious.

Hinduism was very different from most world religions because it was so internationally diverse; it actually wasn't even a single faith, but actually a collection of religions so it changed and developed with time. It had no real founders, nor did it have any real "breakthrough" idea to unite its people which especially contrast the Hebrews, who were descendants of Abraham and believed in the Lord God. However, God's struggle with Lucifer for mankind is somewhat parallel to the Indian mythology, which has gods, called Devas, who are in constant battle with Asuras, which means demons in English.

One basic principle of the early Hebrews is the belief that God constantly watches us good actions in will have its rewards; this is practically identical to karma. One's karma is always a matter of cause and effect. Your actions will add either good or bad karma and will ultimately affect will your next life. Hebrews never believed in reincarnation, nor do I believe that in their early nomadic years, was there as much an emphasis on Heaven and Hell, but it was more a matter of good things happen to a people who make live to God's best interest and bad things happen to people as punishment for their sins. Never the less it is still an uncanny similarity, and they certainly believed in some kind of afterlife. However, it should be necessary to elaborate on the Hindu side because it's a little more complex than the Hebrews. Much of India's society was run in a caste system, and it was greatly valued as the ideal form of society. The one born into their caste have no choice but to live their life ideally, and if they do well it will increase good karma and in their next life, they will ascend to a higher class in the caste, but to increase bad karma will obviously have the opposite effect.