LEARNING TO SHARE YOUR FAITH
"HINDUISM"

Introductory Comment by Rev Andy Kelso

Hinduism is the world's third largest religion with nearly one billion followers. What does it teach? What are its origins? What is the Christian response? This is the purpose of this talk. If we are going to try to understand Hindus then these are questions that need tackling. I hope you will follow this with an open mind.

In this, the fourth part of Reverend Kelso's series, "Learning to Share Your Faith", he talks about Hinduism, its belief system and its spread in various sects and under the guise of the "New Age".

This sermon is very useful in providing a general understanding of Hinduism and related belief systems and is a valuable resource when witnessing to its believers.

NOTES TO ACCOMPANY THE TALK ON HINDUISM

"It is a constant torture to me that I am still so far from Him whom I know to be my very life and being. I know it is my own wretchedness and wickedness that keeps me from Him."(Mahatma Gandhi).

Background to Hinduism

Origin: India c.1500 BC to 2500 BC
Founder: No single person
Adherents: Nearly 1 billion
Scriptures: Vedas, Upanishads, Epics, Puranas and Bhagavad Gita

Beliefs and Responses

GOD

God or Brahman is the one impersonal, ultimate, but unknowable spiritual reality. Hinduism personalises Brahman as Brahma: creator with four heads symbolising creative energy, Vishnu: Preserver, the god of stability and control, and Shiva: Destroyer, the god of endings.

Most Hindus worship two of Vishnu's ten mythical incarnations: Krishna and Rama.

Christian response:

The Bible teaches that God is personal with personal attributes. (Genesis 1:3, Genesis 6:6, Exodus 3:15, Zephaniah 3:7).

The Bible warns people to avoid all forms of idolatry. (Exodus 23:13, Joshua 23:7, 1Corinthians 10:20).

CREATION

According to Hinduism Brahman alone exists. Everything is ultimately an illusion. There is no beginning or ending to creation, only endless repetitions of creation and destruction.

Christian Response:

Christianity affirms the reality of God's creation. God is present in His creation but He is not to be confused with it. (Genesis 1:1, Hebrews 11:3). The Bible issues strong warnings to those who confuse God with His creation. (Romans 1:22-23).

MAN

Hinduism believes that the eternal soul of man is a spark of Brahman mysteriously trapped in the physical body. Repeated lives or reincarnations are required before the soul can be liberated from the body. An individual's present life is determined by the law of Karma, (actions, words and thoughts in previous lifetimes). Rebirths continue until Karma has been removed to allow the soul's re-absorption into Brahman.

Christian response:

People are created in God's image. (Genesis 1:27). We only die once so reincarnation cannot be true. (Hebrews 9:27-28).

The Bible teaches resurrection. (John 5:25). At death Christians enjoy a state of continuous fellowship with Christ. (Matthew 22:32, 2 Corinthians 5:8).

A person's eternal destiny is determined by their acceptance or rejection of Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. (John 3:36, Romans 10:9-10).

SIN

Hindus have no concept of rebellion against a holy God. Ignorance of unity with Brahman and violation of one's social duty are humanity's problems.

Christian response:

Sin is a wilful act of rebellion against God and His commandments. (Romans 1:28-32/3, 9:19, 1John 1:8-10). The Bible is quite clear about sin. (Romans 3:23).

SALVATION

There is no clear concept of salvation in Hinduism. Yoga and meditation is one way to attain freedom from selfhood. Other ways are works, knowledge and love and devotion.

Christian response:

Salvation is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:8-10). It is impossible to earn one's salvation by good works. (Titus 3:1). Religious deeds and exercises cannot save. (Matthew 7:22-23, Romans 9:32, Galatians 2:16).

WORSHIP

Hindu worship has an endless variety with colour symbolism, offerings, fasting and dance. Most Hindus daily worship an image of their chosen deity with chants - called Mantras, flowers and incense. Worship is primarily an individual thing.

Christian response:

Jesus expressed the true nature of worship in John 4:23-24.

Worship to God must be Christ-centred. It is both personal and corporate. (Hebrews 10:25).

Hindu-based sects

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Transcendental Meditation
Christian Science
Unity School of Christianity
Groups within the New Age Movement.

Witnessing to Hindus

• Share your personal faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour
• Stress the uniqueness of Jesus Christ as God's revelation of Himself
• Stress the necessity of following Jesus alone
• Keep the Gospel presentation Christ-centred.
• Share the assurance of salvation that God's grace gives you and about your hope in the resurrection
• Make sure you communicate that your assurance is derived from God's grace and not from your good works or your ability to be spiritual. (1John 5:13).
• Give a copy of the Gospel of John. Ask them to read it with an open mind, allowing the God of the Bible to reveal Himself to them.