Hinduism

One of the oldest known organized religions is Hinduism. Not only is it one of the world’s oldest, but it is also one of the world’s largest religions. It is estimated to have over 600 million followers, making it the third-largest religion behind Christianity and Islam.[1] Hinduism is India's dominant religion and is also very influential in Nepal.[2] Hinduism is difficult to define because it is a collection of religious traditions rather than a single religious faith. Within Hinduism, one can find both theistic and monistic philosophies espoused by its adherents, various beliefs, and many “gods.” One characterization of Hinduism is the concept of reincarnation, with the goal being the deliverance from this cycle.[3]

            To be delivered from this cycle, Hinduism suggests three basic approaches. One approach is salvation by knowledge. This is gained by listening to sages and the sacred writings of Hindus, practicing meditation, and realizing the “Atman-Brahman identity.” The second approach is what one writer calls salvation by devotion. In this approach, the devotee chooses a manifestation of god and hopes to break through in union with this god. The final approach is based upon certain works he or she must follow. Ceremonies must be followed, pilgrimages must be taken, and sacrifices must be made.[4]

            It is interesting to note, however, that some adherents of Hinduism would also believe that all paths to God are valid, including Christianity. In the book Missiology, the following is noted: “The Hindu is tolerant of Christianity, as a patient teacher who seeks to lead the pupil to the light. But its toleration is fueled by the expectancy that Christianity will eventually be absorbed into the Hindu viewpoint.”[5]

            There are several contradictions between Hinduism and Biblical Christianity. The first is the belief in many gods. Scriptures teach what is often referred to as monotheism. In other words, there is only one God and no others (see Deuteronomy 6:5, Isaiah 44:6, Mark 12:29).[6] Both of these beliefs cannot be true, and both worldviews are very clear about what they believe regarding this subject. The second contradiction between Christianity and Hinduism is their belief in the afterlife. Scriptures make it clear that Christ followers experience eternal life, and eternal death is experienced by those who reject Him (see Luke 16:19-26, Revelation 21:1-8). There is no room for reincarnation from a Biblical worldview. A third problem with these two worldviews is that salvation is in Christ alone. Meditation, ceremonies, pilgrimages, etc., cannot atone for mankind’s biggest problem, which is sin.  Our sin has separated us from God, and we can only be reconciled to Him by placing our faith in the finished work of the resurrected Christ (see John 3:16, Acts 4:12, Romans 10:9, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5).

[1] John Mark Terry, Ebbie C. Smith, and Justice Anderson, Missiology: An Introduction to the Foundations, History, and Strategies of World Missions (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998), 671.

[2] Got Questions Ministries, Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2002–2013).

[3] C. Stephen Evans, Pocket Dictionary of Apologetics & Philosophy of Religion (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002), 54.

[4] Kenneth Boa, Cults, World Religions, and the Occult (Canada; England: Victor Books, 1990), 20.

[5] Terry, Smith, and Anderson, Missiology, 671.

[6] Arnold Gottfried Betz, “Monotheism,” ed. David Noel Freedman, Allen C. Myers, and Astrid B. Beck, Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans, 2000), 916.