While Hinduism is multifaceted rather than monolithic, its basic tenets with respect to God, humanity, and salvation can be summed up as follows. First, Hindus suppose that ultimate reality (Brahman) is an impersonal oneness that transcends all distinctions including personal and propositional differentiations. Put another way, all of reality is a continuum or simplified whole. As such, there is no distinction between morals and mice.

Furthermore, Hindus hold that humans, in concert with the rest of the universe, are a continuous extension of Brahman. Thus, our illusory individuated selves (atman) are one with the impersonal cosmic consciousness of the universe—“atman is Brahman and Brahman is atman.”

Finally, the Hindu scriptures (Vedas and Upanishads) teach the goal of humanity as liberation from an endless cycle of death and reincarnation (samsara). Liberation (moksha) from samsara is attained when we realize that our individual selves are an illusion and all is one. Until such enlightenment is achieved, the law of karma dictates that our deeds in previous lives determine whether we are reborn as man, monkey, or mosquito; woman, walrus, or wasp.

While the Hindu scriptures tout the hell of reincarnation, the Holy Scriptures teach the hope of resurrection. The solution to the fear of karmic reincarnation is faith in our Kinsman Redeemer.

For further study, see Dean Halverson, The Illustrated Guide to World Religions (Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 2003).

“This is what the LORD says—your Redeemer,
who formed you in the womb: I am the LORD,
who has made all things, who alone stretched out the
heavens, who spread out the earth by myself,
who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of
diviners, who overthrows the learning of the
wise and turns it into nonsense.”

Isaiah 44:24–25