Why So Many Gods?
Hindus/Hare Krishnas/Sikhs
Today’s lesson is about three religions that originated in India. Hinduism has the largest following and Hare Krishna is an offshoot of it. Although Sikhism is similar, they are adamant that their origins are unique and separate from Hinduism. Since Hinduism is 4,000 years old (much older than HK or Sikhism) and has many more adherents, we will start with what Hindus believe and show the differences between it and the other two.
Hinduism
-Hindus believe that fate governs your destiny; this is why they have a strict caste system. If you’re born into poverty, it is almost impossible to move up financially.
-They also believe in Brahman, but they believe in many other gods who are all manifestations of Brahman. Krishna is the most widely worshipped god among Hindus.
-They believe in a trinity made up of Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva (think 6 armed god sitting in the lotus position).
According to the Hinduism Today website, the following are the
Nine beliefs of Hinduism - in February 1993, in a joint venture with Christianity Today, the two magazines collaborated and compiled this comparison list of the two faiths, the Christian counterpoint to each Hindu belief is listed after each Hindu belief:
1.) In a one, all-pervasive Supreme Being who is both immanent and transcendent, both Creator and Unmanifest Reality.
Christian Counterpoint: One God in three Persons. (Isaiah 43:10) He is distinct from His creation, yet intimately involved with it as its Sustainer and Redeemer. (Romans 1:20-23).
2.) That the universe undergoes endless cycles of creation, preservation and dissolution.
Christian Counterpoint: That the world was created once by the Divine Will, was corrupted by sin, yet under God's providence moves toward final perfection. (Gen.1:1, Rom. 8:22, 2 Peter 3:10, Revelation 21:1)
3.) That all souls are evolving toward union with God and will ultimately find spiritual knowledge and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Not a single soul will be eternally deprived of this destiny.
Christian Counterpoint: That in Adam's sin, the human race was spiritually alienated from God, and that those who are called by God and respond to His grace will have eternal life. (1 Corinthians 15:22) Those who persist in rebellion will be lost eternally. (Matt. 25:46)
4.) In karma, the law of cause and effect by which each individual creates his own destiny by his thoughts, words and deeds.
Christian Counterpoint: That through God's grace and favor, lost sinners are rescued from the guilt, power and eternal consequences of their evil thoughts, words and deeds. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
5.) That the soul reincarnates, evolving through many births until all karmas have been resolved (samsara).
Christian Counterpoint: That it is appointed for human beings to die once and after that to face the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)
6.) That divine beings exist in unseen inner worlds and that temple worship, rituals and sacraments as well as personal devotionals create a communion with the devas and Gods.
Christian Counterpoint: That spirit beings inhabit the universe, some good and some evil; but that our worship is due to God alone. (1 John 4:1, Ex. 23:25)]
7.) That a spiritually awakened Master is essential to know the Transcendent Absolute, as are personal discipline, good conduct, purification, self-inquiry and meditation.
Christian Counterpoint: That God has given us a clear revelation of Himself in Jesus and the sacred Scriptures. He has empowered by His Spirit prophets, apostles, evangelists and pastors who are teachers charged to guide us into faith and holiness in accordance with His Word. (1 Tim. 2:5)
8.) That all life is sacred and to be loved and revered, through the practice of nonviolence- ahimsa.
Christian Counterpoint: That life is to be highly esteemed but that it must be subordinated in the service of biblical love and justice. (Romans 1:25)
9.)That no one religion teaches the only way to salvation above all others, but that all genuine religious paths are facets of God's Pure Love and Light, deserving tolerance and understanding.
Christian Counterpoint: That Jesus is God incarnate, and therefore the only sure path to salvation. Many religions may offer ethical and spiritual insights, but only Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. (John 14:6)
Hare Krishna (considered an Eastern religious cult)
A common ISKCON (Internat’l Society for Krishna Consciousness) expression is "We are not this body." That is, we are all spirit souls who are temporarily trapped in a material body and its cares and woes. Their goal is to break away from samsara (endless repetitive reincarnations) and return to the kingdom of God.
•Liberation from samsara is attained through sankirtana, which is congregational singing of God's names (chanting Hare Krishna over and over), which leads to Krishna Consciousness. “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.” (Matt. 6:7)
•Krishna is worshipped as the Supreme God; they believe that one can attain a personal relationship with Him. Depending on who you ask, Jesus Christ can be Krishna or is a later reincarnation of Krishna. (Philippians 2:5-11; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Corinthians 11: 3-4, 13-15; I Timothy 4:1)
•Hell as a temporary destination after death for people who have sinned greatly while on earth.
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." Matt. 25:46
•Devotees need a spiritual master, who is in a line of succession from the guru Caitanya (or one of three other lines of disciple succession who worship Krishna as the Supreme God).
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.." 1 Tim. 2:5
•Eating food prepared for and offered to God is an act of communion with Krishna. When such food is eaten, Krishna's energy purifies the body of the devotee.
"But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do."
1 Corinthians 8:8
Sikhs
Sikhs claim not to be Hindus, but there is much argument among Hindus and Sikhs over this. Hindus say that Sikhs are a spin-off of Hinduism; however, Sikhs claim they are not. Sikhism is similar to Islam and Hinduism in many ways. It is monotheistic like Islam, but accepts reincarnation like Hinduism. It is different from both in its respect for women and all people- no caste system, no female subservience.
• There is only one God. He is the same God for all people of all religions (they call him Waheguru). There is no Trinity.
• People of all races, religions and genders are equal in the eyes of God. That includes full equality of men and women. Women can participate in any religious function, perform any Sikh ceremony or lead the congregation in prayer.
• The path to achieving salvation and merging with God does not require renunciation or celibacy, but living the life of a “householder,” earning an honest living and avoiding worldly temptations and sins.
• The founder of Sikhism was Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who had nine other human successors, ending with Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The “last and eternal Guru” is the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which is the Sikh holy book.
• Tobacco smoking is prohibited.
• Sikh men wear a traditional knife, called a kirpan, as a symbol of baptism. Traditionally, the knife can be used only for self-defense or in defense of those who cannot defend themselves.
• Because Sikhs aspire to live natural lives, men do not cut their hair or shave their beards.
• Sikh men must wear turbans.
•No amount of good living can break the bondage of reincarnation if you sin by breaking the scriptural law.
Sikhs are NOT Muslims…they have often been mistaken as Muslims because of the turbans they wear. They do not worship Allah.
Most important commonality of these three religions: they all believe in reincarnation. Sikhs and Hindus believe you must be reincarnated again and again to reach nirvana. Hare Krishnas believe you are reincarnated, but that you can break the cycle and get back to God.
Reincarnation is a belief that Satan uses to hold people in bondage--bondage to salvation by works. However, Ephesians 2:8 gives this comfort: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast.”
How do I witness to a Hindu/Sikh/HK ?
•Witnessing to Hindus, Sikhs and HKs is pretty much the same (although HK’s are hardest since unlike the other two, they are trying to get you to convert). Hindus have a great respect for Christ as a spiritual leader, and of the authority of a spiritual experience revealed in a person’s behavior. They have a saying: "Can anyone recommend to others what has not been profoundly true to oneself?" they would ask, "And how can we believe what is said, unless we see its effects on the one who says it?" So, lifestyle evangelism is very important. You must approach them about Christ in love.
•Since they do not believe anyone’s beliefs are better, it is important that you not lead them to think that you think your beliefs are better or superior. You can give them a New Testament (then be ready to share with them about what they’ve read). You need to get them to consider what it is you believe in a spirit of information sharing.
•Be prepared to share your testimony: what you were like before you were saved, how you were saved and how you were changed by accepting Christ.
•Invite them to church and explain the significance of each part of the service. Explain terms such as salvation, faith, new birth, and conversion. Stress the power of Jesus Christ to save humanity from sin (and therefore any fear of the penalty).
•Know the Roman Road (highlight these in your Bible, then write the reference for the next verse in your Bible next to the previous one): Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9, Romans 10:13, Romans 12:1-2. These verses have been used effectively with Sikhs and Hindus.
Hindus/Hare Krishnas/Sikhs
Today’s lesson is about three religions that originated in India. Hinduism has the largest following and Hare Krishna is an offshoot of it. Although Sikhism is similar, they are adamant that their origins are unique and separate from Hinduism. Since Hinduism is 4,000 years old (much older than HK or Sikhism) and has many more adherents, we will start with what Hindus believe and show the differences between it and the other two.
Hinduism
-Hindus believe that fate governs your destiny; this is why they have a strict caste system. If you’re born into poverty, it is almost impossible to move up financially.
-They also believe in Brahman, but they believe in many other gods who are all manifestations of Brahman. Krishna is the most widely worshipped god among Hindus.
-They believe in a trinity made up of Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva (think 6 armed god sitting in the lotus position).
According to the Hinduism Today website, the following are the
Nine beliefs of Hinduism - in February 1993, in a joint venture with Christianity Today, the two magazines collaborated and compiled this comparison list of the two faiths, the Christian counterpoint to each Hindu belief is listed after each Hindu belief:
1.) In a one, all-pervasive Supreme Being who is both immanent and transcendent, both Creator and Unmanifest Reality.
Christian Counterpoint: One God in three Persons. (Isaiah 43:10) He is distinct from His creation, yet intimately involved with it as its Sustainer and Redeemer. (Romans 1:20-23).
2.) That the universe undergoes endless cycles of creation, preservation and dissolution.
Christian Counterpoint: That the world was created once by the Divine Will, was corrupted by sin, yet under God's providence moves toward final perfection. (Gen.1:1, Rom. 8:22, 2 Peter 3:10, Revelation 21:1)
3.) That all souls are evolving toward union with God and will ultimately find spiritual knowledge and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Not a single soul will be eternally deprived of this destiny.
Christian Counterpoint: That in Adam's sin, the human race was spiritually alienated from God, and that those who are called by God and respond to His grace will have eternal life. (1 Corinthians 15:22) Those who persist in rebellion will be lost eternally. (Matt. 25:46)
4.) In karma, the law of cause and effect by which each individual creates his own destiny by his thoughts, words and deeds.
Christian Counterpoint: That through God's grace and favor, lost sinners are rescued from the guilt, power and eternal consequences of their evil thoughts, words and deeds. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
5.) That the soul reincarnates, evolving through many births until all karmas have been resolved (samsara).
Christian Counterpoint: That it is appointed for human beings to die once and after that to face the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)
6.) That divine beings exist in unseen inner worlds and that temple worship, rituals and sacraments as well as personal devotionals create a communion with the devas and Gods.
Christian Counterpoint: That spirit beings inhabit the universe, some good and some evil; but that our worship is due to God alone. (1 John 4:1, Ex. 23:25)]
7.) That a spiritually awakened Master is essential to know the Transcendent Absolute, as are personal discipline, good conduct, purification, self-inquiry and meditation.
Christian Counterpoint: That God has given us a clear revelation of Himself in Jesus and the sacred Scriptures. He has empowered by His Spirit prophets, apostles, evangelists and pastors who are teachers charged to guide us into faith and holiness in accordance with His Word. (1 Tim. 2:5)
8.) That all life is sacred and to be loved and revered, through the practice of nonviolence- ahimsa.
Christian Counterpoint: That life is to be highly esteemed but that it must be subordinated in the service of biblical love and justice. (Romans 1:25)
9.)That no one religion teaches the only way to salvation above all others, but that all genuine religious paths are facets of God's Pure Love and Light, deserving tolerance and understanding.
Christian Counterpoint: That Jesus is God incarnate, and therefore the only sure path to salvation. Many religions may offer ethical and spiritual insights, but only Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. (John 14:6)
Hare Krishna (considered an Eastern religious cult)
A common ISKCON (Internat’l Society for Krishna Consciousness) expression is "We are not this body." That is, we are all spirit souls who are temporarily trapped in a material body and its cares and woes. Their goal is to break away from samsara (endless repetitive reincarnations) and return to the kingdom of God.
•Liberation from samsara is attained through sankirtana, which is congregational singing of God's names (chanting Hare Krishna over and over), which leads to Krishna Consciousness. “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.” (Matt. 6:7)
•Krishna is worshipped as the Supreme God; they believe that one can attain a personal relationship with Him. Depending on who you ask, Jesus Christ can be Krishna or is a later reincarnation of Krishna. (Philippians 2:5-11; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Corinthians 11: 3-4, 13-15; I Timothy 4:1)
•Hell as a temporary destination after death for people who have sinned greatly while on earth.
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." Matt. 25:46
•Devotees need a spiritual master, who is in a line of succession from the guru Caitanya (or one of three other lines of disciple succession who worship Krishna as the Supreme God).
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.." 1 Tim. 2:5
•Eating food prepared for and offered to God is an act of communion with Krishna. When such food is eaten, Krishna's energy purifies the body of the devotee.
"But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do."
1 Corinthians 8:8
Sikhs
Sikhs claim not to be Hindus, but there is much argument among Hindus and Sikhs over this. Hindus say that Sikhs are a spin-off of Hinduism; however, Sikhs claim they are not. Sikhism is similar to Islam and Hinduism in many ways. It is monotheistic like Islam, but accepts reincarnation like Hinduism. It is different from both in its respect for women and all people- no caste system, no female subservience.
• There is only one God. He is the same God for all people of all religions (they call him Waheguru). There is no Trinity.
• People of all races, religions and genders are equal in the eyes of God. That includes full equality of men and women. Women can participate in any religious function, perform any Sikh ceremony or lead the congregation in prayer.
• The path to achieving salvation and merging with God does not require renunciation or celibacy, but living the life of a “householder,” earning an honest living and avoiding worldly temptations and sins.
• The founder of Sikhism was Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who had nine other human successors, ending with Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The “last and eternal Guru” is the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which is the Sikh holy book.
• Tobacco smoking is prohibited.
• Sikh men wear a traditional knife, called a kirpan, as a symbol of baptism. Traditionally, the knife can be used only for self-defense or in defense of those who cannot defend themselves.
• Because Sikhs aspire to live natural lives, men do not cut their hair or shave their beards.
• Sikh men must wear turbans.
•No amount of good living can break the bondage of reincarnation if you sin by breaking the scriptural law.
Sikhs are NOT Muslims…they have often been mistaken as Muslims because of the turbans they wear. They do not worship Allah.
Most important commonality of these three religions: they all believe in reincarnation. Sikhs and Hindus believe you must be reincarnated again and again to reach nirvana. Hare Krishnas believe you are reincarnated, but that you can break the cycle and get back to God.
Reincarnation is a belief that Satan uses to hold people in bondage--bondage to salvation by works. However, Ephesians 2:8 gives this comfort: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast.”
How do I witness to a Hindu/Sikh/HK ?
•Witnessing to Hindus, Sikhs and HKs is pretty much the same (although HK’s are hardest since unlike the other two, they are trying to get you to convert). Hindus have a great respect for Christ as a spiritual leader, and of the authority of a spiritual experience revealed in a person’s behavior. They have a saying: "Can anyone recommend to others what has not been profoundly true to oneself?" they would ask, "And how can we believe what is said, unless we see its effects on the one who says it?" So, lifestyle evangelism is very important. You must approach them about Christ in love.
•Since they do not believe anyone’s beliefs are better, it is important that you not lead them to think that you think your beliefs are better or superior. You can give them a New Testament (then be ready to share with them about what they’ve read). You need to get them to consider what it is you believe in a spirit of information sharing.
•Be prepared to share your testimony: what you were like before you were saved, how you were saved and how you were changed by accepting Christ.
•Invite them to church and explain the significance of each part of the service. Explain terms such as salvation, faith, new birth, and conversion. Stress the power of Jesus Christ to save humanity from sin (and therefore any fear of the penalty).
•Know the Roman Road (highlight these in your Bible, then write the reference for the next verse in your Bible next to the previous one): Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9, Romans 10:13, Romans 12:1-2. These verses have been used effectively with Sikhs and Hindus.
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