The Monotheistic Conundrum: Brahman and the Abrahamic God - Exploring the Relationship Between God and Creation

Both Hinduism and the Abrahamic religions share a belief in one God or one supreme being, placing them in the category of monotheistic traditions. However, these belief systems diverge significantly in their understanding of the nature of God and the relationship between God and creation.

Understanding Brahman and the Role of Creation

Within Hinduism, the concept of Brahman stands as the ultimate reality, embodying the cosmic principles that govern all existence. Unlike the Abrahamic understanding of God as a creator, Brahman is not seen as a creator God, but rather as the very essence of reality itself. The relationship between Brahman and creation is a complex and contentious issue in Hindu philosophy.

The Upanishads offer insights into the nature of Brahman and creation. They describe Brahman as sat—infinite, eternal, and unchanging—while creation is described as asat—finite, transient, and subject to change. These texts assert that everything is Brahman; the sum total of all existence is Brahman. From this perspective, creation is not created but rather a manifestation of Brahman. This view is further reinforced by the statement sarvam kalvidham Brahma, meaning 'all this is Brahman.'

Differing Philosophical Interpretations

The relationship between God (Brahman) and creation has been the subject of various philosophical interpretations within Hinduism:

Sri Sankara: Argues that creation is an illusion (mithya), proposing a Advaita Vedanta perspective where the reality of creation is negated in favor of the ultimate reality of Brahman. Sri Ramanuja: Suggests that creation is the body of Brahman, Raga Vaitani—not created but an emanation from Brahman. This interpretation is closer to the Upanishadic understanding, emphasizing a non-dual relationship. Sri Madhva: Proposes that creation is fundamentally different from Brahman, advocating for a Dvaita perspective where a clear separation exists between God and creation.

These diverse perspectives reflect the complexity and depth of Hindu philosophy, indicating that there is no single unified answer to the question of the relationship between God and creation.

The Abrahamic Perspective on God and Creation

In contrast, the Abrahamic religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, maintain a strict theology of one God who is both the creator and the sustainer of all reality. According to these traditions, God is transcendent and sovereign, and creation is a distinct and finite entity that owes its existence to God. Philosophically, the Abrahamic perspective is rooted in the idea of creation ex nihilo (out of nothing), which emphasizes a clear and permanent distinction between God and creation, as well as between God and humanity.

For the Abrahamic religions, the creation of the universe by God is a foundational narrative that underscores the superiority and transcendence of God. This view keeps human beings outside of the divine realm, emphasizing their inferior status and dependence on the divine will.

Thomson's Analysis: A Comparative Perspective

Thomson's analysis provides a nuanced understanding of how the different religious perspectives address the relationship between God and creation. He notes that while the Abrahamic religions maintain a rigorous distinction, some Hindu philosophies, particularly those of Sri Ramanuja and Sri Madhva, somewhat bridge the gap between God and creation, though not without reservation.

Sri Madhva's position, for instance, emphasizes a dualistic understanding where God and creation are fundamentally separate, mirroring the Abrahamic perspective to a certain extent. However, even within these dualistic systems, the ultimate reality remains the divine.

Thomson also points out that the theory of creating out of nothing in the Abrahamic tradition is not a liberating proposition, as it creates a permanent separation between God and creation and between God and humanity. This separation is echoed in traditional Christian views of the world, where human beings remain outside the divine sphere except for Christ's unique status.

Christian doctrine, particularly within traditional Christianity, limits the possibility of union with God to Christ alone, while the common believer remains a creature of God. This results in a position that separates God and human beings within the broader Christian tradition.

The Hindu Perspective and the Problem of Evil

In Hindu thought, the problem of evil and the socio-political structures of oppression pose significant challenges. While the Upanishads and Sri Ramanuja propose the idea that creation is a manifestation of Brahman, this view needs to address the presence of evil in the world. The theories of karma and reincarnation within Hindu philosophy provide attempted explanations, but they may create divisions within society and refrain from proposing active social transformation.

Thomson suggests that the relationship between God and creation remains an unsolved question, and there is still room for further inquiry. The need to reconcile a creator God with a God who manifests creation without creating a permanent divide between them presents a future opportunity for developing a more harmonious and inclusive theological framework.

Conclusion and Future Perspectives

The differing perspectives on the nature of God and the relationship between God and creation illustrate the complexity of religious thought across different traditions. While both Hinduism and the Abrahamic religions share a belief in one supreme being, the ways in which they understand creation and the nature of divine reality differ significantly.

Finding a middle ground that combines the liberating aspects of Hindu thought, such as the possibility of identity with Brahman, with the structured and distinct understanding of God in the Abrahamic tradition, offers a potential avenue for a more harmonious and integrated vision of the divine. This could include concepts where creation is considered both created and uncreated, manifestations of the divine, thereby addressing the problem of evil and the socio-political structures of oppression within a more unified framework.

As religious thought continues to evolve, the exploration of these questions will undoubtedly contribute to a deeper understanding of the nature of divine reality and the human condition.