Comparative Analysis of Christianity and Sikhism: George's Case

This case study presents a comparative analysis of Christianity and Sikhism, focusing on their differing worldviews concerning life, death, and human nature. The assignment explores the ethical implications of George's situation, a patient suffering from a disease, and how both religions would interpret his suffering and the option of euthanasia. The analysis delves into the core principles of each religion, examining their views on the sanctity of life and the permissibility of ending it. The study highlights the similarities and differences in their perspectives, emphasizing that both religions generally oppose euthanasia, viewing life as a gift from God. The author reflects on the ethical complexities of the situation, supporting the religions' stance on the value of life and the importance of seeking alternatives to ending one's life. The assignment concludes by reaffirming the significance of religious guidance in navigating difficult ethical dilemmas and the importance of valuing life until its natural end.

Running head: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TWO RELIGION
Comparative analysis of two religion
Name of student
Name of University
Author note

1COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TWO RELIGION
Abstract
The report aims to compare the principles of the two religions on the basis of their worldviews.
The views of the fatihs on life, death and human nature have been analysed and compared to the
situation of George. George is suffering from a disease and how his sufferings will be interpreted
by both the religions have been discussed. The religions – Christianity and Sikhism are two
popular religions of the world. They have high value for life. While considering whether George
should opt for euthanasia, given his sufferings are unbearable, given both the religions, it is not
permitted. Euthanasia means to hasten the death of a patient to end his suffering. Both the
religions feel life is precious and to end it is to disobey God. Further reflection has been laid
upon how I feel about the situation of George and whether the religions are morally correct.

2COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TWO RELIGION
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Comparative study of the worldviews of Christianity and Sikhism................................................3
Ethical analysis of George’s situation.........................................................................................5
Value of George’s life in the purview of Christianity and Sikhism............................................5
Perspective about euthanasia from both the religious points.......................................................6
Reflection regarding the ethical issue..........................................................................................6
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................7
References:......................................................................................................................................8

3COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TWO RELIGION
Introduction
People all over the world have different cultures, thoughts, beliefs and lifestyles. Each
derives these concepts from group behaviour or certain ideologies. The report aims to explain the
relationship between worldview and the two religions that are Christianity and Sikhism. The
purpose of this paper is to complete a comparative ethical analysis of George’s situation and
decision from the perspective of two worldviews or religions. George was suffering due to his
disease and there is a chance that he might opt for euthanasia to release from his pain. Therefore
whether he should go for euthanasia to end his suffering or not and to what extent the religions
support or disagree on this point will be seen in this paper. Christianity is a religion that is based
on the life and the teachings taught by Jesus. The principles of Christianity are laid down in their
religious book, Bible. On the other hand, Sikhism originated in the region of Punjab in India. It is
monotheistic and their fundamental principles are laid down in Guru Granth Sahib. This religion
is based on the teaching of Guru Nanak. The principles of these two religions will be discussed
further.
Comparative study of the worldviews of Christianity and Sikhism
Christianity believes in salvation by keeping faith in their Lord, Jesus who is also known
as ‘Messiah’. This religion is of the concept that man is created by God but man did sins and was
under curse. Redemption is offered to man by God through Christ’s blood but it must be chosen
by each person. Whereas in case of Sikhism, it is spread by ten gurus and they worship only one
creator through prayers. They meditate to cleanse their mind and erase five evils. (Cole, &
Sambhi, 2016)

4COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TWO RELIGION
 The prime reality in Sikhism is preached to be true and manifests in existence, truth and
being. According to them, God comes before the creation of the world and is distinct
from it. In Christianity, they believe that God is the creator of the universe, holy and
powerful of all.
 Another worldview is about the nature of the world. It is believed that creation of the
earth flowed from words spoken by God. It was created in a proper order into an open
system. Sikhism almost keeps the same view. They too believe that the world has been
created by God.
 Bible teaches us that men have inherited a sinful behavior from Adam and the guilt has to
be atoned for. Sikhs do not believe in the concept of man’s sinful behavior. People are
generally good and carry a divine spark that needs to be fueled into goodness. Guru
Nanak has taught that man can cleanse his mind by doing meditation.
 Sikhs believe in reincarnation. It is believed that every human has a soul and these souls
take rebirth. They believe in the concept of hell and heaven and a soul keeps taking birth
unless it is united with the God. In the case of Christianity, it is believed that man is
destined to die and face the consequences or judgments. They also believe in the concept
of heaven and hell so a man who has prayed God throughout his life is destined to live in
heaven eternally and any person who rejected God shall stay in hell and suffer (Young,
2014).
 In spite of the stress on the greatness of God in the religion of Sikhs, there is another side
to it which is darker. They believe that the goodness and evilness both come from God.
For Sikhs, evil nature is a result of a wrong choice made by a person. The Christians do
not believe in the existence of evil.

5COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TWO RELIGION
 Different cultures have their different views on the knowledge of truth. In Christianity, it
is believed that all the truth comes from the revelations made by God and as God is
constant therefore, the truths are eternal.
 It was found out that God created humans and then humans sinned. God has used history
for revealing his plans regarding salvation. All the facts stated in the bible are not
confirmed but many places, customs and cultures are still the same. It can be understood
that Jesus was a real entity. In case of Sikhism, there are various historical evidence that
establish how Sikhism originated and what role men played in the history for glorifying
Sikhism.
Religious interpretation of the nature of George’s malady and suffering
George’s suffering can be interpreted from the Christian point of view that states that
earlier when God created humans and animals, there was no suffering or death but when Adam
and Eve disobeyed Him and ate a fruit of knowledge, curse prevailed on the entire universe and
from henceforth, death came into being. It was said that sin was created after eating the fruit and
now every person on earth till this day has to suffer the sin and die as a consequence. Therefore,
George being a descendant of Adam and Eve cannot escape this cycle and has to suffer his sin.
(Nelson, 2016).
Sikhism, on the other hand, believes in the theories of karma or misdeeds. It is the rule
that every action comes with some consequence. A person doing some bad deed in the previous
life or in the recent one has to bear such sufferings. Therefore, if George’s situation is interpreted
through the views of Sikhism, it can be said that he is suffering from the consequences of his evil
deeds that is inevitable to avoid (Talib & Siṅgha, 1984).

6COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TWO RELIGION
Value of George’s life in the purview of Christianity and Sikhism
The Bible preaches that human life can be said to be a gift from the Almighty that has
absolute value untill it has reached the natural end. Therefore, life is precious and it is a chain of
birth and death. Human must uphold the sanctity of life and bear with the suffering by taking
God’s name and keeping faith in him. George’s life has the same value and though he is
suffering from the pain and disease, he needs to have faith in God.
Sikhism too teaches us about the sacredness of life. The humans must give care to others
who are suffering and not think of ending up life (Myrvold, 2014). George in the view of
Sikhism should give value to his life and aim to keep faith and remain strong. His strong spirit
will heal his suffering.
Perspective of both the religions
A question that has arisen is whether George should choose euthanasia or not to relieve
himself from the suffering. In the Christian viewpoint, it is thought that as God has given human
life, they are not supposed to end their life without the will of God. His will should always be
taken into account and even though they are suffering from the disease or other issues, they
cannot opt to end their life. Similarly, when God is taking back his gift of life, they should not
resent it. Therefore, George cannot opt for euthanasia as it would amount to disobeying God.
Sikhism has similar views regarding euthanasia. This religion teaches that life is a gift of
God and humans should surrender their life to God. No human should take away his or her own
life even though he is suffering from any disease (Kumar, 2015). George should not opt for
euthanasia if Sikh views are taken into consideration as it would then be ethically incorrect.

7COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TWO RELIGION
Reflection regarding the ethical issue
I agree on the views preached by both the religions regarding life and euthanasia. After
many low form births, we take human birth that is in the highest rank of all. Life is made up of
both joy and misery and it should be dealt without thinking of giving up life. God has given us
one life that is of great value and we should make the most of it as Guru Granth Sahib has laid
down.
Similarly, Bible has preached that Humans are the creation of Jesus and even though we
have worldviews or religions: Christianity and the second religion of sufferings, we cannot end
our lives as that would mean disobeying the God.
George should in no way opt for euthanasia. Instead, he should keep faith and try to hold
up the integrity of his life and aim to heal soon. Death is inevitable and it will come when it has
been planned by God.
Conclusion
Therefore, after going through the report it can be said that the religions play important
roles in the structuring and guiding of human life. It shows a path to the followers and preaches
them about life, death and human nature. The followers of the ideologies, therefore, give great
value to their life owing to the fact that God is the creator of all humans. Therefore, most of the
people go against the concept of euthanasia even though at present times many cases of
euthanasia have taken place. George who has been suffering from the disease should not opt for
euthanasia if seen from the Christian or Sikh point of view. His life should be given proper value
till the natural end of his time. Analyzing the ethical views and also keeping in mind George’s

8COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TWO RELIGION
pain, I can say that though euthanasia can be an easy option to escape from the suffering, still
fighting for life is a better option.

9COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TWO RELIGION
References:
Cole, W. O., & Sambhi, P. S. (2016). Sikhism and Christianity: a comparative study. Springer.
Kumar, R. (2015). Euthanasia: right to death. Some deductions from religious-ethical debate.
Indian journal of legal philosophy, 122.
Myrvold, K. (2014). Sikhism and Death. In Death and Religion in a Changing World (pp. 192-
218). Routledge.
Nelson, T. (2016). Holy Bible. Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Talib, G. S., & Siṅgha, J. (1984). Sri Guru Granth Sahib in English Translation (Vol. 1).
Publication Bureau, Punjabi University.
Young, J. (2014). The death of God and the meaning of life. Routledge.