Fire in Hinduism, Christianity, and Judaism :: Papers

Fire in Hinduism, Christianity, and Judaism Fire has the capacity to burn everything, and that is why in Hinduism it is can be described by the god Agni. Agni seems to be the creator of everything: "It is Agni, who showers rain, has covered earth with the sky; and O Agni! It is you, who are the creator of everything". Then again Braham can be seen as being the fire in Hinduism, since he is the Supreme Lord. Fire symbolizes the brilliance of the lord; it is purifying; and it stands for effulgence and illumination. It is said that "Braham is Jyotirmaya (full of light)." There exists the Vedic fire ceremony performed by Hindus at all major events of life including birth and coming of age ceremonies, weddings, and funerals, as well as on all major religious holidays. Common to all branches of Hinduism, the fire ceremony is very important in the lives of many Hindus. The god Shiva is surrounded by a circle of firerepresenting samsara, the endless cycle of death and re-birth. The dance of fire is symbolic of the frenetic movement of the universe. In Christianity, fire is used to move from evil to good. It is one of the most expressive and most ancient of the liturgical symbols. The sun as a principle of heat and light for the earth is a symbol of the divinity that enlightens and warms humanity. The following is a prayer relating God with fire: "Lord God, Almighty Father, inextinguishable light, Who hast created all light, bless this light sanctified and blessed by thee, Who has enlightened the whole world; make us enlightened by the light and inflamed with the fire of Thy Brightness; and as Thou didst enlighten Moses when he went out of Egypt, so illuminate our hearts and senses that we may attain life and light everlasting through Christ out Lord. Amen." (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06079a.htm) God is always represented with fire, usually with a lit candle. Fire is mentioned in the New Testament, in Luke 3:16, "John answered all of