Theology School

The Hindu scriptures, also known as the Vedas, contain a vast collection of spiritual knowledge and teachings that have been passed down through generations. Although Hinduism and Christianity are distinct religions (polytheistic and Christianity being Monotheistic), there are interesting similarities that can be drawn between the two, including the ways in which Jesus Christ is portrayed in the Hindu scriptures.

One of the most interesting ways in which Jesus is portrayed in the Hindu scriptures is as an avatar of God, or a divine incarnation. This concept of an avatar is a central tenet of Hinduism, and refers to the belief that God can manifest on Earth in human form to carry out a specific purpose or mission. In this sense, Jesus can be seen as an avatar of God who came to Earth to bring spiritual teachings and save humanity.

The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most important Hindu scriptures, contains a passage in which Krishna speaks to his disciple Arjuna about the nature of avatars. He says, \”Whenever righteousness declines and unrighteousness prevails, I manifest myself. For the protection of the good, for the destruction of the wicked, and for the establishment of righteousness, I am born in every age\” (BG 4.7-8). This passage could easily point to Jesus Christ, who is seen as a figure who came to Earth during a time of spiritual darkness to bring light and salvation to humanity.

Another interesting parallel between Jesus and the Hindu scriptures is the concept of sacrifice. In both Christianity and Hinduism, sacrifice is a central theme that is associated with spiritual purification and redemption. In the Christianity, Jesus is seen as the ultimate sacrifice, whose death on the cross atoned for the sins of humanity. In the Hindu tradition, sacrifice takes on a slightly different form, with offerings of food, fire, and other offerings made to the gods.

However, the concept of sacrifice also takes on a deeper, more spiritual meaning in Hinduism, with the idea that self-sacrifice is necessary for spiritual growth and enlightenment. This idea is reflected in the teachings of Jesus, who famously said, \”Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me\” (Luke 9:23). This idea of self-denial and self-sacrifice is seen as essential for spiritual growth and enlightenment in both Christianity and Hinduism.

A final way in which Jesus is depicted in the Hindu scriptures is as a teacher and wise man. The Upanishads, a collection of ancient Hindu texts, contain many teachings that are similar to those of Jesus, including the importance of love, compassion, and selflessness. For example, the Upanishads teach that \”The Self is to be known…by love, by thought, by steadfastness\” (Kena Upanishad 2.4), which could easily point to the Christian concept of loving one\’s neighbour as oneself.

Similarly, Jesus\’ teachings on forgiveness and non-violence are echoed in the Hindu scriptures, which teach that ahimsa, or non-violence, is an essential part of spiritual practice. In fact, Mahatma Gandhi, was greatly influenced by Jesus\’ teachings on non-violence and used them as the basis for his own political and social activism.

While Hinduism and Christianity are two distinct religions with their own unique teachings and practices, there are interesting parallels between the two when it comes to the portrayal of Jesus Christ in the Hindu scriptures. Jesus is seen as an avatar of God, a sacrifice for humanity, a teacher and wise man, and a figure who embodies the virtues of love, compassion, and selflessness