Christian Thoughts for Hindus

Hindus make up some 13% of the world's population, although the number is much larger when one accounts for all those who adhere to Hindu philosophy (New Age practices, etc.).

The religion began in 1500 B.C. as a ritualistic polytheism practiced in homes, and over the years it has grown more and more complex, to the point now where there are millions of separate "gods" represented in Hinduism.

Although Hinduism is extremely diverse, there are some common elements most believers share:

1. Ultimate reality for the Hindu, "Brahman," is the impersonal force from which all things flow, and it is beyond distinctions, either moral or personal. The "self" is merely an extension of this universal oneness.

2. The problem with mankind is that most of us have forgotten the fact that we are part of Brahman, and thus have wrongly attached ourselves to separate "personalities" and "egos" (rather than remaining as part of the "one"). Because we are lost in individuality, we must now face laws of cause and effect, called " karma."

3. Karma follows a person through multiple lifetimes, as the "individual" is reincarnated until such a time as to be completely free from karma, at which point a Hindu believes they are "liberated" from life and death - reabsorbed into the universal "oneness" of Brahman.

What does the Bible say to Hindus?

1. Romans 1:25 speaks of a sad time when people worship created things rather than the Creator. It appears that  Hinduism falls into this category, worshiping many different idol and spirit gods.

2. Humans were created in the image of God as individuals for specific purposes. The primary problem with mankind is not ignorance of divine connections, but rather rebellion against divine authority.

3. The laws of karma are certainly useful in understanding how evil impacts our lives. However, the Bible teaches that mankind only dies once, and after this, faces a personal judgment from God.

4. There is no provision for forgiveness of sins in Hinduism, only the prospect of endless lifetimes of suffering to "pay" for the bad karma accrued when doing evil. Jesus Christ's sacrifice can offer Hindus hope and cleansing from sin, so that people can be forgiven and free.

Relevant Bible Passages: Acts 17:16-34 , Matthew 11:28-30, Hebrews 9:27, Romans 1:18-32, 1 John 1:9

Comments

[D S Corcoran III]

Dear Dan,
Hare Krsna!
The brief description who have listed about "Hinduism" is not really complete. There are websites which give a detailed exegis of the tradition and the tenets of the theology, such as Krishna.com and many others.
Yours in Christ
Your friend
Dave