Catholic Teachings
What does the Catholic Church teach happens to the soul after death?
The soul is judged by God and goes to Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory.
What is the eternal soul in Hinduism called?
Atman
Name a type of holy spiritual being in Catholicism that protects the faithful.
Angels (or Saints)
What do both religions believe happens after death?
The soul continues to exsist.
What 1965 document promotes interfaith respect?
Nostra Aetate
What practice is forbidden by the Church due to the risk of inviting demonic influence?
Using Ouija boards, seances, or psychic mediums.
What is the cycle of life, death, and rebirth in Hinduism?
Samsara
What kind of spirit in Hinduism may cause misfortune or illness?
Pisacha
What role do prayers and rituals play in both religions?
They help the soul and protect the living.
What document says that Jesus is the only true way to God?
Dominus Iesus
What is the Catholic view on praying to saints and deceased loved ones?
It’s allowed and seen as a way to spiritually connect through prayer.
Who are Bhutas in Hindu belief?
Restless spirits of people who died unnaturally or without proper rites.
What type of being in Catholicism could ghosts also be mistaken for? (hint: it's evil)
Demons
What is a key difference in their view of the afterlife? (specifically, what happens to their soul?)
Hinduism believes in reincarnation; Catholicism believes in one life followed by judgment.
What is the main goal of Nostra Aetate in relation to other faiths?
To promote mutual understanding and respect across religions.
Why is prayer for the dead encouraged in Catholicism?
To help souls in Purgatory reach Heaven.
What are Pisachas?
Malevolent spirits that feed on negative emotions.
What is a common reason Bhutas remain on Earth in Hinduism? and where do they linger?
2x points!!!
Unresolved karma or improper funeral rites, and they linger near where they died.
Who do Catholics and Hindus both turn to for spiritual help?
Catholics turn to saints and angels; Hindus turn to deities and protective beings.
How does Dominus Lesus differ from Nostra Aetate?
It emphasizes Catholic exclusivity, while Nostra Aetate emphasizes openness.
What scriptural reference is used to warn against contacting spirits?
Deuteronomy 18:9–13
What ritual helps Hindu souls find peace and protects the living from spirits?
The Shraddha ceremony and/or chanting mantras like the Hanuman Chalisa.
How do Catholic and Hindu each view spirits?
Catholics see spirits in the context of judgment and purgatory; Hindus see them as part of samsara and karma.
How does each religion explain why some spirits might still be around after death?
Hindus believe spirits linger due to karma and need rituals; Catholics believe in purgatory and prayer for the dead.
What is the Church’s position on reincarnation according to its documents?
It rejects reincarnation. Each person lives once, then faces judgment after death.