Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Monday, January 9, 2012

Does God have only one son?

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life- John 3:16

According to Wikipedia, this verse is the most widely quoted verse from the Christian Bible and considered the most famous verse. It is also called the “Gospel in a nutshell” because apparently it summarizes the essence of modern day Christianity. This verse talks about the relationship between the Son Jesus and the Father in Heaven.

When we do a comparative analysis, we find this verse in the Bhagavad Gita that touches on the subject of Father and Son.

sarva-yonishu kaunteya murtayah sambhavanti yah
tasam brahma mahad yonir aham bija-pradah pita

It should be understood that all species of life, O son of Kunti, are made possible by birth in this material nature, and that I am the seed-giving father. – BG 14.4

In one letter to his disciple (unfortunately I cannot remember the exact reference), I remember Srila Prabhupada stating that if God is unlimited, then how come He can have only one son? If God is actually unlimited, then His creation is also unlimited and that includes His unlimited sons and daughters in all species of life. The Bhagavad Gita verse copied above validates at the omnipotency of the Lord. Therefore, it is our duty to respect all living beings and not just humans. At the end of the day, we do not define son or daughter based on the physical body. God is not made of physical matter/elements. God is completely spirit (consciousness) and we who are created by Him are also completely spirit (consciousness). However, because we want to live independent of God, the spirit (consciousness) is encased in matter and is allowed to live in this material realm under strict rules.

Anyways, Christians although believe that God is unlimited (omnipotent) seem to limit Him to only one son. This limitation, in my opinion, contradicts God’s unlimited position. If God is unlimited, then all of His creation (moving and non moving) is also unlimited. Christianity and Krishna Consciousness differ in this fundamental point. While there are many similarities, I think this is a big difference and I want to acknowledge the difference, hence the post.

Full surrender to the Almighty God is the only way one can earn His favor. Full surrender should be based on detailed deliberation based on current day-to-day life situation, study and analysis of the scripture and its representative (a saintly person). Otherwise one cannot fully surrender.

Hare Krishna

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