SOR Beliefs

Hinduism Key Concepts

• Karma

• Yamas

• Atman

• Moksha

• Samsara

• Dharma

• Brahman

Karma - Hinduism

Law of cause and effect; ethical actions help one achieve moksha or a better reincarnation. Adherents accrue good karma through good thoughts, words and deeds.

Yamas - Ethical Principles

• Ahimsa

• Satya

• Asteya

• Brahmacharya

• Aparigraha

Ahimsa

Principle of non-violence towards all living and non-living beings; basic statement of ethical behaviour within Hinduism

Satya

Principle of truthfulness; encourages individuals to align their words, thoughts, and actions with what is considered true and real, promoting integrity and authenticity

Asteya

Principle of non-stealing; avoidance of coveting or taking anything that does not rightfully belong to oneself, whether material or immaterial

Brahmacharya

Principle of moderation; encompasses self-discipline and conserving vital energy for higher pursuits

Aparigraha

Principle of non-possessiveness; encourages individuals to cultivate detachment from material possessions and desires, promoting simplicity and freedom from greed

Atman

A ‘living spark’ of Brahman which exists within every living and non-living being. It is carried through the cycle of samsara and is reincarnated according to the karma accrued in the previous life until it is reunified with Brahman (once moksha is achieved). It interconnects humanity (and other beings) and inspires ethical action and equality.

Moksha

The cessation of samsara and the reunification of atman with Brahman; the ultimate goal of Hindu adherents. It can be achieved through accruing good karma throughout numerous reincarnations and adhering to the dharma.

Samsara

Continuous cycle of life, death and reincarnation. The Varna one achieves in reincarnation depends on the karma accrued in the previous life

Dharma

Moral duties determined by position within the Varna system (and dependent on age/gender/occupation). By acting in accordance with one’s dharma, moksha can be achieved. There are two types of dharma expected of adherents: Varnashrama dharma and Sanatana Dharma.

Varnashrama Dharma

Dharma dependent on the individual: stage of life, social class (Varna), gender, etc.

Sanatana Dharma

Universal Dharma; duties expected of every adherent, independent of the individual

Brahman

The Ultimate Reality of the Universe; an indivisible, unknowable essence. Venerated through many manifestations known as deities (such as Vishnu, Krishna and Brahma)

Islam Core Beliefs

• Five Pillars of Faith

• Sharia

• 6 Articles of Faith

Five Pillars of Faith

1. Shahada

   • declaration of faith

   • belief in Allah as the One True God (monotheism)

2. Salat

   • daily obligatory prayer

   • 3-5 per day

3. Zakat

   • charity as an act of worship

   • a percentage of one’s wealth is submitted to charity

   • helps to avoid greed

4. Sawm

   • fasting during the month of Ramadan

   • shows complete submission to Allah

   • act of discipline, self-control, and purification

5. Hajj

   • pilgrimage to Mecca

   • all Muslims (who are able) are to undertake this at least once in their life

Sharia

Divine and unalterable law of Allah.

1. Maqasid al-Shariah

   • protection of religion

   • protection of life

   • protection of lineage

   • protection of property

2. Fiqh

   • Islamic jurisprudence constituted of scholarly consensus of the Qur’an and analogical reasoning

   • a relationship between human law and divine justice

   • human understanding of Sharia

Six Articles of Faith

1. Belief in Allah

   • Tawhid - universality of belief in one God

   • central concept of Islam

2. Belief in Angels

3. Belief in Holy Books

4. Belief in Prophets

5. Belief in Day of Judgement

   • Allah judges according to how one has lived their earthly life

   • Judgement leads to either Jahannam (hell; physical and spiritual suffering) or Jannah (paradise; reward for earthly good deeds)

6. Belief in Predestination

   • Allah’s knowledge and will is all-encompassing; every event that occurs is divinely ordained for a purpose known to Allah

   • humanity still possesses free will (although it is not absolute as Allah can intervene) and are expected to choose obedience to the will of Allah and risk facing Judgement

Christianity Core Beliefs

• Monotheism; One God who exists in the Holy Trinity

• God is Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent

• Salvation

• Incarnate Revelation

• Resurrection

• Sanctity of Life

• Sin & Repentance

Salvation

Humanity will face divine judgement after death. Christ promised salvation to those who believe in him, so living authentically according to core Christian values is central to gaining entry to Heaven. Ultimately, salvation is still possible for sinners through God’s mercy

Incarnate Revelation

The Revelation is found in Scripture, written under divine inspiration, but the fullness of revelation is found in Jesus Christ Jesus is believe to be the Incarnate Son of God; both fully human and fully divine. Jesus reveals God’s love for humanity and gives hope in salvation and eternal life.

Resurrection

Jesus died on the Cross and was resurrected days later, reinforcing the dichotomy of his humanity and divinity, and a prefiguring of the resurrection of all at the end of time; Jesus promised that those who believed in him would have eternal life, and his resurrection authenticated this claim

Sanctity of Life

All human life is sacred because humans are created in the image of God (Imago Dei)