Comparative Theology Comparitive Paper
LIBERATION
Comparative Analysis Paper #1
Liberation in Christian and Jain Philosophy
Deekshitha Divyendar
Professor Timothy Helton
Loyola Marymount University
Theology 198
11th March, 2015
LIBERATION
Liberation in Christian and Jain Philosophy
Christianity and Jainism have little in common – although like all existing religions in the world their goal is to establish a common set of good values and a larger worldview within their demographic, the commonality stops there. One may argue that both faiths share certain larger concepts – like the concept sin (karma), liberation & heaven and hell – but the process of attaining liberation, gathering sin/karma and reaching the heavenly and hellish realms is so different in Jainism than that of Christianity, and hence, they are in no way similar. In this paper, the concept of liberation in both Jainism and Christianity is explored, compared and contrasted – What does liberation mean to the individuals who practice Jainism (Jains) and how is it different than what it means to Christians? What do Jains have to do to attain liberation and what efforts should Christians make to attain their respective version of liberation? And how does striving for this goal (liberation) affect their individual lifestyle? Once these questions are answered, it becomes very clear that, in fact, Christianity and Jainism are in no way similar – particularly in their concept of liberation. In addition, the concept of sin and karma will
Comparative Analysis Paper #1
Liberation in Christian and Jain Philosophy
Deekshitha Divyendar
Professor Timothy Helton
Loyola Marymount University
Theology 198
11th March, 2015
LIBERATION
Liberation in Christian and Jain Philosophy
Christianity and Jainism have little in common – although like all existing religions in the world their goal is to establish a common set of good values and a larger worldview within their demographic, the commonality stops there. One may argue that both faiths share certain larger concepts – like the concept sin (karma), liberation & heaven and hell – but the process of attaining liberation, gathering sin/karma and reaching the heavenly and hellish realms is so different in Jainism than that of Christianity, and hence, they are in no way similar. In this paper, the concept of liberation in both Jainism and Christianity is explored, compared and contrasted – What does liberation mean to the individuals who practice Jainism (Jains) and how is it different than what it means to Christians? What do Jains have to do to attain liberation and what efforts should Christians make to attain their respective version of liberation? And how does striving for this goal (liberation) affect their individual lifestyle? Once these questions are answered, it becomes very clear that, in fact, Christianity and Jainism are in no way similar – particularly in their concept of liberation. In addition, the concept of sin and karma will
References: 1. Jaina Education Series (2013). Jain Philosophy and Practice 2, Chapter 5, 45. 2. The Holy Bible (King James version). Retrieved from http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/ 3. Hellwig, Monica.K(2002). Understanding Catholicism. New York/Mahwah, N.J. Paulist Press. 4. Umasvati(1994). That Which Is (Tattvartha Sutra). New Haven & London. Yale University Press.