The Nature of the Divine Across World Religions
Core Theological Perspectives
| Religion | Concept of God | Key Attributes |
|---|---|---|
| Christianity | Trinitarian: Father, Son, Holy Spirit | Omnipotent, loving, personal |
| Islam | Absolute Oneness (Tawhid) | 99 Beautiful Names, merciful |
| Hinduism | Brahman (ultimate reality) with many manifestations | Immanent and transcendent |
| Buddhism | Non-theistic focus on enlightenment | N/A (focus on Dharma) |
Christian Understanding of God
The Trinity Explained
- Father: Creator and sustainer
- Son: Incarnate redeemer (John 1:14)
- Holy Spirit: Divine presence and guide
This triune nature reflects God’s relational essence while maintaining monotheism.
Salvation Theology
Central beliefs about God’s role:
- Initiated redemption through Christ’s sacrifice
- Offers grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8)
- Seeks reconciliation with humanity
Islamic View of Allah
99 Names of Allah
These attributes reveal God’s nature in Islam:
- Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful)
- Al-Hakim (The All-Wise)
- Al-Quddus (The Most Holy)
Five Pillars and Divine Relationship
How Muslims connect with Allah:
- Shahada (Declaration of faith)
- Salat (Prayer 5x daily)
- Zakat (Charity)
- Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan)
- Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)
Hindu Concepts of the Divine
Major Deities and Their Roles
| Deity | Role | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| Brahma | Creator | Four heads representing Vedas |
| Vishnu | Preserver | Blue skin, holds conch and discus |
| Shiva | Destroyer/Transformer | Third eye, crescent moon |
Brahman: The Ultimate Reality
Key aspects of this philosophical concept:
- Impersonal absolute beyond forms
- Source of all existence
- Realized through moksha (liberation)
Buddhist Perspective
Non-Theistic Approach
Distinctive features:
- Focus on enlightenment, not worship
- Historical Buddha as teacher, not deity
- Rebirth governed by karma, not divine judgment
Bodhisattvas and Devotional Practices
While not gods, these enlightened beings:
- Delay nirvana to help others
- Receive veneration in Mahayana tradition
- Serve as inspirational figures
Comparative Insights
Common Themes
- Divine as source of moral order
- Sacred texts as revelation
- Path to transcendence/liberation
Key Differences
| Aspect | Western Religions | Eastern Traditions |
|---|---|---|
| Divine Nature | Personal God | Impersonal force/state |
| Salvation Goal | Heaven/paradise | Enlightenment/moksha |
| Approach | Faith-centric | Practice-centric |
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