TOPIC: Benchmark – Investigating Hinduism Essay

If possible, interview a practicing Hindu individual or a leader of a Hindu temple, which can be used as an academic resource. If you would like to take pictures during your visit to this community or place of worship, be sure to obtain permission.

Write an essay of 1,250-1,500 words that analyzes key beliefs in Hinduism by addressing the following concepts:

1. Describe the three most important Hindu deities found in the Trimurti, their history of development in the Vedic literature, and their functions in the kalpic cycle of life.

2. Make an analysis of how the caste system might function in the life of a particular Hindu individual as he or she interacts with individuals of other castes.

3. Select one ancient or modern Christian community living or serving in a Hindu context, such as the St. Thomas Church of South India, denominations and ministries started by William Carey, Mother Teresa’s Sisters of Charity, etc. Compare the principles and practices of this Christian community with the four key Hindu beliefs and practices: all pervasive divinity, karma, reincarnation, and dharma.

4. Taking into consideration the differences between the four key Hindu beliefs and practices and Christian doctrine, how might a Christian engage a follower of Hinduism with the gospel of Jesus Christ? What would be vital points to consider for such a conversation (e.g., Who God is, sin and the fall, Jesus, forgiveness, salvation)?

Utilize the course textbook and a minimum of five academic resources, one of which can be your interview and should include topic materials and external resources.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. 

This benchmark assignment assesses the following CoT competency:

BA-Christian Studies-Global Ministry, BA-Christian Studies-Philosophy

5.1:Share the gospel clearly with people of another worldview or religious system.

RESOURCES

Read Chapters 9, 11, and 12 in Neighboring Faiths: A Christian Introduction to World Religions.

View the video, “Hinduism,” by Telepool, located in the Films on Demand database (1999). URL:https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=96349&xtid=11955

View the video, “Hinduism and Buddhism,” by Bill Moyers, located in the Films on Demand database (1996).URL:https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=96349&xtid=6234
 

Read the “I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian?” article on the Got Questions website.URL:https://www.gotquestions.org/Hindu-Christian.html
 

Read “India’s Original Christians,” by Jenkins, from Christian Century (2012). URL:https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rfh&AN=ATLA0001921546&site=eds-live&scope=site

Read “Jainism,” from the Dictionary of World Philosophy (2001). URL:https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?qurl=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.credoreference.com.lopes.idm.oclc.org%2Fcontent%2Fentry%2Froutwp%2Fjainism%2F0
 

Read “The Guru Granth Sahib,” from the Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather Guide (2018). URL:https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?qurl=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.credoreference.com.lopes.idm.oclc.org%2Fcontent%2Fentry%2Fheliconhe%2Fthe_guru_granth_sahib%2F0