Hinduism, Christianity & Native American

living according to Dharma (duty) and doing good karma

Hinduism

birth, death, and rebirth

samsara (hinduism)

freedom from rebirth and union with the divine

The ultimate goal is moksha (hinduism)

Problem (Hinduism)

People are trapped in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth

Method (Hinduism)

Follow your Dharma, do good karma, and practice devotion, meditation, or yoga

Solution (Hinduism)

Achieve moksha, liberation from the cycle and union with the divine

Om (or Aum) (hinduism)

a sacred sound that represents the universe, creation, and divine energy

people are born into it or adopt it voluntarily

hinduism

following Jesus Christ and God

Christianity

Problem (christianity)

Humans sin and are separated from God

Method (christianity)

Follow Jesus’ teachings, pray, and live morally

Solution (christianity)

Salvation, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life with God

focus on faith in God and the Bible, emphasizes personal relationship with God rather than rituals, and services are simpler, with less hierarchy and fewer sacraments

Protestantism

recognizes the Pope as spiritual leader, practices sacraments (like baptism, Eucharist, confession), strong tradition, rituals, and community structure, belief in both faith and works for salvation

Catholicism

Universe (native american)

Seen as interconnected; humans, animals, plants, and spirits are all related

Time (native american)

Often cyclical rather than linear; events repeat in natural and spiritual cycles

Relationships (native american)

emphasizes harmony with nature, community, and spiritual beings

Practice (native american)

Rituals, ceremonies, storytelling, and sacred places are central

Identity (native american)

Religion is woven into everyday life, not separated from culture or society

Issues with no name (native american)

Practices and beliefs vary widely between tribes, making a single name or label inaccurate, Scholars sometimes use terms like “Native American spirituality” but acknowledge the diversity and contextual nature of each community