Jain Network 2010 11

Author(s): Natubhai Shah
Publisher: UK Jain Network

Page 6

Dharma and the Sangha.
It has its holy texts, customs, rituals, festivals, dietary habits and Sangha consisting of monks & nuns. Buddhists take active part in interfaith activities; respect others faiths and are expected to treat members of other faiths with friendship and peace.
Christianity Christianity originated as a sect from within Judaism around 2,000 years ago, following interpretations from the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It is the most popular religion in the world with over 2 billion adherents and with 42 million in Britons. In UK there are many Christian traditions; main ones are: The Church of England (the Anglican Church); The Roman Catholic Church; The Orthodox Churches (Greek, Russian, and Others); The Methodist Church; The United Reformed Church; The Baptist Union; The Salvation Army, and The Pentecostal Churches., and smaller groups such as The Jesuits, The Benedictines, The Dominicans and The Carmelites (nuns).
Christians believe: Jesus was the son of God sent by Him to the
earth to save humanity from the consequences of its sins; and that Jesus gave his life on the Cross (the Crucifixion) and rose from the dead on the third day (the Resurrection). Jesus' death and resurrection is at the very heart of the Christian faith. The soul is immortal; death is not the total and final end and there is a life after earthly death. There is only one God, but most also believe in Trinity, Him having three elements: God the Father, God the Son and The Holy Spirit. Christianity teaches love, humility and forgiveness. The ethical life of Christians emphasises the virtues of love, kindness, humility and self-control. It is based on their sacred text: Bible.
Christianity is the most organised religion; it has its own rituals, festivals, method of worship, and prayers.
Interfaith Relations: Christianity is an evangelical religion, but in Britain, for last few years, the Christian leaders participate actively in the interfaith movements. They respect other faiths. They may allow the married partner of other faith to practise his/her religion. They are also active in the field of equality, human rights and justice.
Hinduism Hinduism is the religion of the majority of people in India and Nepal and has over 900 million adherents worldwide including about 600,000 in Britain. It is closely associated with the other Indian religions Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism. Hindus believe in the immortality of souls and their transmigration through many lives because of attached karma. The aim of human life is to annihilate karma and attain liberation (moksa) and oneness with God. Moksa can be attained by one of three paths: the path of knowledge (inaan maarga, inner realisation), the path of detachment from actions (karma maarga) and the path of devotion