Is Hindu monotheism incompatible with Abrahamic monotheism?

[Jainarayan]

In my view it’s very simple, which believe it or not is not the personality of the God of Abraham at issue. It’s the cosmology, theology, eschatology and soteriology.

The Abrahamic God is the sole creator and judge of the universe. While Hinduism has Brahmā the Creator, he creates at the behest of Vishnu. But that’s only the Vaishnava view. Unless I’m wrong, for Shaivas and Shaktas, Shiva and Devī (Goddess), respectively, perform all three roles of creation, preservation, dissolution. We tend to dislike the word ‘destruction’; it smacks of wanton senseless rampages. Other deities in those sects including Vishnu are devas, i.e. demigods.

All of them, the Supreme God in their respective sects are immanent and transcendent vis-a-vis the universe even though they perform all three roles of creation, preservation, and dissolution. Hinduism can be pantheistic and panentheistic at the same time. That’s true at least for Vaishnavism. Sri Krishna explains this to Arjuna in chapter 10 of the Bhagavad Gita. Briefly, the Hindu God... for me it’s of course Vishnu, because he is Brahman, and Brahman is all there is, he is immanent and transcendent. That’s pantheism and panentheism at the same time. The Abrahamic God is separate from creation, with the exception of being omnipresent and omniscient. He is not the same as the universe (pantheism), nor is the universe part of/within him (panentheism).

The eschatology and soteriology are completely different, starting with the rejection in Hinduism of a God that gives commandments and laws, judges, and rewards and punishes. God in Hinduism, whether Shiva, Vishnu, Devī don’t do that. They don’t give tests. The Bible is crawling with examples of God testing humans, and even his own son. We don’t need salvation because if there are no commandments or laws to transgress, what is there to be saved from?

So how do we know right from wrong without being given commandments? Partly from examples and teachings in scriptures, karma, and loving devotion to God, not to mention civil laws. Laws are not created because lawmakers are afraid of a God that will punish them. We’re intelligent enough as a species to look out for ourselves and largely maintain order.

So no... I can’t see how they can possibly be compatible.

 

[Vinayaka]

Oh I see.
I think this is a rather big translation hurdle for me. Because if I understand the concepts, I was raised under monism. The ultimate goal is to realise the “one reality.” The all encompassing entity that is Brahman. To realise Brahman in everything and everyone.
But my friends around me seemed to speak of the “one true god.” Which my brain auto translated to the “One” just out of habit, I suppose.

I guess that is why they are baffled whenever I or my mother just casually adopts a Christian practice (usually out of respect due to attending a ritual or just finding merit in something) and not have it really bother my sense of my own spiritual path. Because to me it’s never really seperate things.
One ocean many rivers, kind of deal, I guess.

Though maybe I have misunderstood the concepts

I think you got it.

 

[Jainarayan]

Gandhi mixed the two together, which I very much agree with personally, but it would be virtually impossible to do this if one believes in scriptural inerrancy.

Yes, I think so too. Gandhi and Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Paramhansa Yogananda, and possibly Swami Vivekananda were universalists in their interpretation of the Rigvedic verse ékam sadviprah bahudha vadanti. “One truth the wise know by many names. There is more to the verse, though. “They call him Indra, Mitra, Varuna, Agni, and he is heavenly nobly-winged Garutman. To what is One, sages give many a title they call it Agni, Yama, Matarisvan.

I don’t think at the time the Rigveda was composed the rishis specifically knew of other names of God, but they were astute enough to consider it. And since we believe the Vedas were divinely inspired (perceived transcendentally, no voice from the sky) it’s possible this was a bit of a foretelling.

Anyway, I think this is what Gandhi, Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Paramhansa Yogananda, and Swami Vivekananda proposed. But not as an anthropomorphic God, but as a universal spirit, energy, cause. Though they did sometimes refer to it by name. Keep in mind they were attempting to bridge east and west.

 

[Vinayaka]

Your answer is balanced. You do note two sides of this issue. I am tempted to ask.

Would you also agree that there are great differences in conception of God in Madhavacarya’s dvaita and Shankaracharya’s advaita?

Atanu, I don't know enough about it to even attempt an answer. Beyond my scope of study.

 

[Jainarayan]

To declare "I am God" is highly problematic for Dharmic practitioners too

You have 2 options:
1) You are not Self Realized, so you should not declare "I am God"
2) You are Self Realized, there is no "I" left to declare "I am God"
@stvdvRF

For strict Advaitins aham brahmāsmi, “I am Brahman” is the whole point.

 

[SomeRandom]

I think you got it.

Hooray!!

 

[Jainarayan]

Also there is a passage in the Vedas, which one I could not remember off hand of course, that says they call him with many names but he is one but these "sages" have given many references.

Peace.

Rigveda 10.164.46 ékam sadviprah bahudha vadanti “one truth the wise know by many names”.

 

[Marcion]

The purpose of this thread is to compare and contrast metaphysical concepts as they relate to monotheism within Hinduism and the Abrahamic Faiths. Its an area of interest to many of us. Hinduism is considered a religion but most scholars with expertise in the subject. It is clearly different from religions such as Buddhism, Christianity and Islam where there is a clearly identified founder. However, Hinduism is clearly a religion nonetheless. There is a spectrum of beliefs with both Hinduism and the Abrahamic Faiths. The Abrahamic Faiths are predominately monotheistic with considerable variation under this umbrella term. Hinduism is clearly much more diverse in regards theistic views, but certainly includes monotheism. My knowledge in this key area of comparative religion is lacking so I’m here to learn. How these two broad sets of faiths (Hinduism and Abrahamics) approach their practice is another topic altogether.

You're way of thinking is far too limited and the question reflects this. I rest my case, the comparisons made in this way are no more than useless mental exercises.

 

[stvdv]

For strict Advaitins aham brahmāsmi, “I am Brahman” is the whole point.

Yes, I agree "it is the whole point" for strict Advaitins.

But I meant with "not needed to declare", that it is "not needed to tell others 'I am God' ".
It's about "inner transformation". Even the Saints declare "The truth is conveyed in Silence"
@stvdvRF

 

[Martin]

And some are back to not understanding the difference between monism, and monotheism, which has happened several times in this thread. Monism is not monotheism.

Yes, that's an important distinction.

 

[Martin]

Anyway, the "No" answer in the poll got most votes - so that's settled then.

 

[atanu]

Atanu, I don't know enough about it to even attempt an answer. Beyond my scope of study.

I appreciate that. But the point I am trying to make is general. I have two points.

Within Hinduism, dvaita of Madhavacharya is Monotheism, with Vishnu as the Supreme Lord. With respect to the Vedic saying ‘tat tvam asi’, Madhavacharya’s dvaita teaching is that there is eternal difference between Jiva, Brahman and Jagat. Anand Tirtha (Madhvacharya) interpreted sa ātmā atat tvam asi (स आत्मा अतत् त्वम् असि) to mean That Atman, thou art not.

This is opposite of the advaita view: That You Art.

So to me Dvaita has more in common with the Abrahamic monotheism than the advaita Vedanta.

The second point is. If there is so much diversity in conception of God (reality, Brahman) within Hinduism, we will likely see many differences in conception of the same reality from POV of monotheism in different religions too.

But, in my understanding, these phenomenal differences do not invalidate the idea of perennialism or universalism that many gurus have taught.

YMMV.

 

[firedragon]

Rigveda 10.164.46 ékam sadviprah bahudha vadanti “one truth the wise know by many names”.

Absolutely. Thanks a lot. Visvedevas, Rigveda. Thanks for the reference. Ekam Sat. One truth. Vipra bahudha vadanthi, the educated, the advanced in religion, the sage, many, they say.

Simply. One truth but the sages call him by many things.

Cheers.

 

[Martin]

I appreciate that. But the point I am trying to make is general.

Could you clearly state what the point is?

 

[metis]

Yes, I think so too. Gandhi and Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Paramhansa Yogananda, and possibly Swami Vivekananda were universalists in their interpretation of the Rigvedic verse ékam sadviprah bahudha vadanti. “One truth the wise know by many names. There is more to the verse, though. “They call him Indra, Mitra, Varuna, Agni, and he is heavenly nobly-winged Garutman. To what is One, sages give many a title they call it Agni, Yama, Matarisvan.

I don’t think at the time the Rigveda was composed the rishis specifically knew of other names of God, but they were astute enough to consider it. And since we believe the Vedas were divinely inspired (perceived transcendentally, no voice from the sky) it’s possible this was a bit of a foretelling.

Anyway, I think this is what Gandhi, Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Paramhansa Yogananda, and Swami Vivekananda proposed. But not as an anthropomorphic God, but as a universal spirit, energy, cause. Though they did sometimes refer to it by name. Keep in mind they were attempting to bridge east and west.

Thankyou very much for the above.

 

[Muffled]

Hinduism incorporates diverse views on the concept of God. Different traditions of Hinduism have different theistic views, and these views have been described by scholars as polytheism, monotheism, henotheism, panentheism, pantheism, monism, agnostic, humanism, atheism or Nontheism.

Monotheism is the belief in a single creator God and the lack of belief in any other Creator. Hinduism is not a monolithic faith and different sects may or may not posit or require such a belief. Religion is considered a personal belief in Hinduism and followers are free to choose the different interpretations within the framework of Karma and reincarnation.

Many forms of Hinduism believe in a monotheistic God, such as Krishna followers, Vedanta, Arya samaj, Samkhya school of Vedas etc, Many traditions within Hinduism share the Vedic idea of a metaphysical ultimate reality and truth called Brahman instead.

(Adapted from Hindu views on monotheism - Wikipedia)

There is much that could be said about monotheism within Abrahamic and Hindu religions. What concepts do they share and where do they differ? Is Hindu monotheism compatible with Abrahamic monotheism or are they so fundamentally different as to be incompatible?

I believe the concept of everything being part of God is totally incompatible.

 

[Dawnofhope]

Anyway, the "No" answer in the poll got most votes - so that's settled then.

The majority of Jews see Christian theism as incompatible with Judaism. Based on the majority opinion should we accept Jews and Christians believe in the same God? The majority of the world’s inhabitants do not follow the Christian Faith. Should the Christian Faith be rejected in the court of majority opinion?

 

[soulsurvivor]

Hinduism incorporates diverse views on the concept of God. Different traditions of Hinduism have different theistic views, and these views have been described by scholars as polytheism, monotheism, henotheism, panentheism, pantheism, monism, agnostic, humanism, atheism or Nontheism.

Monotheism is the belief in a single creator God and the lack of belief in any other Creator. Hinduism is not a monolithic faith and different sects may or may not posit or require such a belief. Religion is considered a personal belief in Hinduism and followers are free to choose the different interpretations within the framework of Karma and reincarnation.

Many forms of Hinduism believe in a monotheistic God, such as Krishna followers, Vedanta, Arya samaj, Samkhya school of Vedas etc, Many traditions within Hinduism share the Vedic idea of a metaphysical ultimate reality and truth called Brahman instead.

(Adapted from Hindu views on monotheism - Wikipedia)

There is much that could be said about monotheism within Abrahamic and Hindu religions. What concepts do they share and where do they differ? Is Hindu monotheism compatible with Abrahamic monotheism or are they so fundamentally different as to be incompatible?

I don't believe there such a thing as Hinduism monotheism. Some Hinduism may believe in a main God who they worship, but usually also worship other Gods on specific days. For instance most Vaishnavites (Vishnu or Krishna worshipers) will also celebrate Shivaratri (day for Shiva).. And all Hindus worship Ganesh. There are no real monotheists (although some may call themselves that).

 

[Clara Tea]

Hinduism incorporates diverse views on the concept of God. Different traditions of Hinduism have different theistic views, and these views have been described by scholars as polytheism, monotheism, henotheism, panentheism, pantheism, monism, agnostic, humanism, atheism or Nontheism.

Monotheism is the belief in a single creator God and the lack of belief in any other Creator. Hinduism is not a monolithic faith and different sects may or may not posit or require such a belief. Religion is considered a personal belief in Hinduism and followers are free to choose the different interpretations within the framework of Karma and reincarnation.

Many forms of Hinduism believe in a monotheistic God, such as Krishna followers, Vedanta, Arya samaj, Samkhya school of Vedas etc, Many traditions within Hinduism share the Vedic idea of a metaphysical ultimate reality and truth called Brahman instead.

(Adapted from Hindu views on monotheism - Wikipedia)

There is much that could be said about monotheism within Abrahamic and Hindu religions. What concepts do they share and where do they differ? Is Hindu monotheism compatible with Abrahamic monotheism or are they so fundamentally different as to be incompatible?

Assuming that there is only one God, we have a choice. We may either believe that the only true God made his presence known to a select tiny region of the world, or God made his presence to virtually everyone. (Of course there is room to believe that only some got God's messages).

It is therefore possible that many religions around the world have the word of God. But, that word seems to vary from place to place.

Remember that God created the Tower of Babel. That was when he changed everyone's languages and spread them throughout the world so that they could not understand each other.

Suppose that was a test by God. God might have been testing to see if we could overcome language barriers, overcome hatred of skin colors, overcome cultural differences, and accept other cultures as God's children (as apparently God does).

So, if we pass that test of God, perhaps the true words of God will come through as a melange of God's words from various cultures. In other words, perhaps just one area of the world might not have the full message of God, but the full message is only obtained by accepting that everyone has heard a part of God's messages.

If this is true, we must learn as much as we can about all religions around the world, put aside our bigotry, put aside our egos that tend to think that our religion is the right religion and all others are heathen and wrong. Only then, could we piece together the total word of God given to all races and religions of the world.

At that point, we should come together, all as God's children, in peace and harmony (which is likely God's greatest message to us).

Even if there are more than one God, we might learn about the other Gods.

Lets not allow our egos to stand in the way of God's words.

 

[Clara Tea]

The majority of Jews see Christian theism as incompatible with Judaism. Based on the majority opinion should we accept Jews and Christians believe in the same God? The majority of the world’s inhabitants do not follow the Christian Faith. Should the Christian Faith be rejected in the court of majority opinion?

Christians and Muslims are some form of Jews (religiously, not ethnically).

Look at the similarities of these related religions, rather than the differences.