I was having a discussion with a Christian poster on another forum who said that she doesn't believe Christianity to be a religion per se as the others because it isn't ''work-based''. I then said this can be said for all religions including Islam and Hinduism. This is an extract of what she said:
She also said that Islam is similar to be work based as you have to follow the 5 pillars to gain acceptance. How much of this is true for Hinduism? Do you have to follow certain rituals and practices to attain Moksha?
That is why I distinguish Christianity from other religions, because it's a relationship with God based on Him revealing Himself to us and Him enabling us to have a relationship with us through Jesus, rather than anything we can do.
Hinduism also, as far as I know, is a works-based religion. In order to achieve Moksha you need to do one of four things- carry out certain rituals/ceremonies, duties etc, come to a complete understanding of the universe, through acts of worship to God or through meditation and yoga.
The difference I'm trying to get at is that unlike religions, Christianity is not works-based but faith-based. It is not based on how good you are or what you can do- it's about acknowledging that we can never be good enough for God and that we need the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf, paying the price for our rebellion against God. It's based on faith- placing our trust in Jesus, and that through His blood our sin (our rebellion) can be forgiven and then we can have eternal life.
She also said that Islam is similar to be work based as you have to follow the 5 pillars to gain acceptance. How much of this is true for Hinduism? Do you have to follow certain rituals and practices to attain Moksha?