Is it Possible to be a Hindu Follower of Christ?

lendyman33 »

Wed Jul 02, 2008 9:37 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 1

I think it is also important to keep in mind, however, that we Christians have many 'gods' as well. These creatures are revered, prayed to, and are held to be beings of supernatural origion. These beings are Angels(1). Just because Hinduism calls them 'gods' does not change what they actually are, ie: creatures which are revered, prayed to, and held to be beings of supernatural origion.

Hinduism recognizes a single Ultimate Creator, and emphasizes it as the ultimate reality (2). Although the people have become preoccupied with select 'gods' for their target of worship, this should not be 'blamed' on the nature of Hinduism's beliefs. Hindus believe in One Triune Godhead. A Trinity (3).

Although they were not given the same revelations that we Christians were, they are certainly not 'wrong' in trying to find their own way to happiness and salvation. They have their revelations, we have ours, and all is part of Gods plan. Not just us Christians.

Before we judge, let us examine ourselves, and discover the true source of our aggression.

(1)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_angelic_hierarchy
(2) http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_Gods
(3) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trimurti

Erik

calvinistguy »

Mon Feb 04, 2008 6:47 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 1

I think it is quite clear that these people do not worship any other God when becoming a "Krista Bhakta" but that they continue to be called Hindus. But I would say that this is not right for the following reasons.

Firstly Hinduism represents a pagan religion with a lot of Gods eg, shiva, krishna and thousands of other God, If hinduism does not represent a religion, but a way of living, why do the hindu temples have all idols to their Gods. When God saved us, he saved us from the ways of the world, so if we still say that we find it okay to be conformed to our old ways which are the ways of the world, then we need to doubt our salvation, whether it is true or not? or it may be that we are miguided, but continuing in it is definitely wrong.

secondly, Jesus says in Mathew 10:37. 38 " He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. " So if someone loves their culture more than their God then they are not worthy of following Jesus. And if they argue that the western way of following christ is man made, just look at the early christians, they openly confessed their faith in Christ and forsook Jewish culture (Which are more close ties to what christianity is than Hinduism) and got presecuted for it... and it is biblical too!!

And lastly, if you look in the Old Testament, look at Daniel, even when he was in a pagan land, he refused to follow their culture, proudly adhering to what commands God had put forward even if it meant persecution and God honoured his faith and the fact that he stood for him and so we have him as an example now. And also you see how jealous God was with the Israelites when they were associated with Idols. Similarly being a christian and being called a hindu is being associated with paganism.

Hope that some things are clear!!

Chris333 »

Mon Dec 31, 2007 11:46 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 1

Okay, if you define Hindu as descent then no you cannot change it, but if it is culture and customs then you can change it. If this is about food and clothing, then sure you can be a Christian and have your own diet and style, but if this is about washing in the ganges river because you believe it came from the gods, then no, it is logically impossible to be a Christian who truly believes in Christ and a Hindu. Either make a commitment to Christ or don't.

HonestToGod »

Mon Nov 26, 2007 12:36 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

From the article above: 1. “Today, most consider this terminology too confusing and wonder why a follower of Christ needs to abandon a Hindu identity and adopt all the baggage that is included with the ‘Christian’ label,” he added.
2. “Why are you leaving us and going to them? How are they better than us? Isn’t there as much corruption in ‘Christianity’ as there is in ‘Hinduism’?

Comment to the point 1.
I do understand his point well. I did mission works in Bali (Hindu island of Indonesia) for two and half years and studied Hinduism at the same time. When addressing a question to Hindus, “Do you believe in Jesus?” the common answer is “YES, I do!” For Jesus is one of thousand of Hindu gods. I have seen a Christian Cross’s symbol in a Hindu trample as well. So we should not be happy for the answers, we need to tell them the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Point 2. Many Hindu leaders in Bali told me in many occasions they try first to get a Christian to be their religious events's book keeper, if they got none, then they will get a Hindu to be.

jc4me »

Fri Nov 23, 2007 8:19 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 1

say this as tactfully, and as lovingly as I can to all who side with Rick Warren in this ecumenical drive to unite the worlds religeons. Be warned, for this is what the Bible says: God is gracious and merciful, and will forgive those who turn to Him thru Jesus Christ with a repentant heart, and choose to fllow Him. However, He is the Righteous God, and He will judge those who deliberately turned their backs on Him and His Son - Jesus Christ because of their obstinate rebellion and continual rejection of His Son. Read the Bible in context, and then comment on it. We cannot, and should not have felowship with those who claim to be Christians yet don't obey His Word, and HIs Salvation Message. The post modern liberal Emergent church, and it's seeker sensitive counterparts want people to believe that if we all save the environment, and save the whales, the events of the Book of Revelation will not happen, and we can actually prevent it from happening. This similar social gospel which claims that we should make the world a better place, and usher in peace prior to Jesus' second coming, as well as unite with all people of faiths has been adopted by Rick Warren, and has caused whole splits in the Southern Baptist Convention, because he has gone down the Purpose Driven P.E.A.C.E Plan agenda, which by the way is a false doctrine my friends. These movements which align themselves with Bono from U2 and the whole COEXIST crowd have more in common with humanism, one world religeon, and the new age than what the Bible says will transpire. The problem today is that we have so many "Bible teachers" who are more motivational speakers than true shepherd's of the flock of God. No wonder the Body of Christ is split. The Bible talks of a great falling away in the end times. Men will naturally gravitate towards what their "itching ears" want to hear. What more itching do you need than what you hear on TBN, and the like: "find success", "you are the controller of your own destiny" "God will prosper you if you just have faith [and send me your money]". They take Scripture out of context to suit their own desires, and fleece the flock of God for their own matierial gain. OPEN YOUR EYES and STUDY the WORD IN CONTEXT; for Christ will return soon.

amatheson »

Wed Oct 24, 2007 2:00 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

From did the apostle Paul get his understanding of the cross? It came most painfully from the persecution he received from his countrymen as a result of being perceived by his countrymen has having abandoned the traditions of the Jews. Missiology seems to becoming a profession where many 'experts' can no longer 'see the wood from the trees'. If Paul were looking ahead objectively from the vantage point of two millennia ago, he would probably conclude, "What is it about these consumer-driven, comfort-based 20th century Westerners that makes them determined to avoid the stigma of the cross." The fact is, Jesus clashes with ALL cultures, and the only way to avoid persecution is remove the 'stumbling block' of the cross.

lewr2 »

Mon Oct 15, 2007 1:13 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

Here are some sites on Hinduism. You make the call.

http://www.sivanandadlshq.org/religions/hinduism.htm
http://hinduism.iskcon.com/practice/700.htm
http://www.hinduismtoday.com/
http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/p/hinduismbasics.htm

I've made mine and I don't think it's possible.

anniefourjesus »

Wed Oct 10, 2007 11:12 am Agree: 6   Disagree: 2

Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship with Jesus Christ! The "church" is the body of Christ, it is not a building. In Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither male, nor female. This is not about us, it is all about Jesus Christ! It's not about what makes us comfortable, do you think HE was comfortable up on the CROSS giving HIS life for mankind?!! Jesus Christ is the only GOD, there is none other. People make gods of many things. God created us to worship, and if we're not worshipping HIM, then we're worshipping something/someone else.
When I was in a comparative religion class, Hinduism was described to our class, as a religion, and now this guy is saying, it is a culture. Here is what I found on google:

Hinduism (known as Hindū Dharma in modern Indian languages[1]) is a religious tradition[2] that originated in the Indian subcontinent. In contemporary usage Hinduism is also sometimes referred to as Sanātana Dharma (सनातन धर्म), a Sanskrit phrase meaning "eternal law".[3]

Hinduism, many of whose origins can be traced to the ancient Vedic civilization,[4] is the world's oldest extant religion.[5][6] A conglomerate of diverse beliefs and traditions, Hinduism has no single founder.[7][8] It is also the world's third largest religion following Christianity and Islam, with approximately a billion adherents, of whom about 905 million live in India and Nepal.[9] Other countries with large Hindu populations include Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.
I sure do see the word "religion" in that definition.
We have to be sure of what we believe and why we believe it. We cannot mix Jesus and anything else, or it is a false religion. (and The Lord told us in the latter days, this would happen a great deal!) Be warned of brothers and sisters, be careful what you are taking into your Spirit! In Jesus Name and For His glory!

RBB »

Wed Oct 10, 2007 3:37 am Agree: 2   Disagree: 4

koko - The article makes it plain that the difference isn't simply one of culture. It's about practicing two religions at the same time. If you simply look up things like bhajans (from Wikipedia)

"Bhajans are often simple songs in lyrical language expressing emotions of love for the Divine, whether for a single God/Goddess, or any number of divinities. Many bhajans feature several names and aspects of the chosen deity, especially in the case of Hindu sahasranamas, which list a divinity's 1008 names".

This is not a song to the one and only Lord God Almighty who we worship, it's a generic song to false gods of which the singer may be thinking of the true God as one of many. It is also not a song to and about Him.

I also looked up Hindu Water Ceremony. Evidently this is something they do to everything from cars to people to ask blessings from any of a number of deities.

Anyone who thinks that this is comparable to a Christian baptism, in which is symbolized our dying and being resurrected with the Lord Jesus Christ, needs to think again.

God has made it plainer than plain that we are to worship only Him. Those that are doing these things, and those that are teaching that it's OK to do such things, are blaspheming Him and mocking Christ. God is not one of many gods He is the only God.

koko »

Tue Oct 09, 2007 5:37 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 7

This article makes sense. It implies that "Hindu" is the name of a culture, not the name of a religion. Therefore, there will not be a clash with Christ if it is purely culture & nothing to do with belif in any God. For example, a "church" in some cultures would be a building with a pointed roof while in another, just an ordinary building. Therefore, they are allowed to build a church with a different design in Hinduism while retaining the purpose of the church as Christ meant it to be. On the outside we can be different, but on the inside... the same God lives in us...

RBB »

Mon Oct 08, 2007 4:14 am Agree: 6   Disagree: 2

The bottom line with this issue is a simple one. God is very, very plain in scripture that we are to have no other gods besides Him. We are to worship no other gods besides or with Him. The only way this would work is if someone could come up with the same kind of proof from the Bible that says, just as plainly, that it's OK. The rest is simply manmade opinion.

RBB »

Mon Oct 08, 2007 3:15 am Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

I read the full passage you site in Galatians. I think you might have meant to start your quote with verse 11 since that is where he addresses Peter. From 11-14, he is referring to the way Peter had eaten with the Gentiles while with Paul, and then changed his way of doing things when the Jews who believed that the Gentiles had to obey the Law to be Christians came. It had to do with the difference between works and grace. So does the passage from 15-21. The whole thing has to do with the difference between putting our faith in works, verses having faith alone, in grace alone, through Christ alone, which is one of the main tenets of the Protestant Christian faith. It has nothing at all to do with allowing someone to continue in worshipping idols in order to make their lives more comfortable.

As for 1 Cor 8 9-13, eating food sacrificed to idols. It was common practice to make available to the public meat sacrificed to idols. What Paul is saying is if you are a Christian and you eat the meat just as meat it's no problem. As long as you make it plain that you are not participating in the idol worship. These Christians were not waffling between religions, they were thumbing their noses at the idol worship. The other aspect of this is Paul telling them if it is going to make a weak brother stumble in his faith because he is confused by seeing them eat the meat, then they should not do it. Either way neither of these says in any way that it's OK to worship any other god at the same time as being a Christian.

God indeed is Omnipotent, and He is Sovereign, bringing to Himself whom He will. To limit Him by picking and choosing what to tell someone instead of simply preaching the whole word of life, is to not trust in Him to call those He wants as His own, and no one has the right to do it. I have been involved with a group for some time in India, and know that they simply preach the gospel and it is accepted. I would strongly suggest going to the following site http://www.indchurch.org/ and checking out what is going on in India.

I also would suggest checking out the following Christian persecution sites to see what is going on with Christians worldwide. Many are suffering alienation and much worse for their faith. They need our prayers, and for us to understand what they are going through.

http://www.compassdirect.org/en/index.php
http://www.persecution.com/
http://www.gfa.org/persecution/

As for your grammar, it was fine :)

RBB »

Mon Oct 08, 2007 3:14 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

alex12 - While I had the chance, I Googled this subject to see what I could find out about false conversion, particularly about whole villages in India. I really am not sure where your friend got his info, and granted who knows, maybe there was such an occasion, but to imagine that it's an ongoing occurrence is a mistake. To also use such an event to somehow justify continued practice of Hinduism while also feeling that one is a Christian is also a mistake.

Most cultures in this world are family based and in every culture, one's security is based on the strength of the family. In every culture there are families and people that are more family oriented than others. A person who is a Jehovah's Witness in the United States and has always been very family oriented, who converts to Christianity and is now shunned by their family, friends and all those they have ever loved, feels no different than the Hindu who must now make the same decision. To imply that somehow they hurt more, or use it as an excuse to allow heresy and blasphemy in the name of comfort, is ridiculous. All through Christian history many have had to make this choice, and to put up with terrible pain both emotional, and physical, this situation is no different.

I would like to give an example of giving up family and facing persecution for Christ. There was a story on one of the persecution websites a few month ago about a Egyptian Christian woman. Her family had wanted her to marry a Moslem, an uncle who was an old man, she said no, she said that she had converted to Christianity, and fallen in love with a Christian man, and was going to marry him. They tried to force her and she ran away. Fast forward three years. The woman and her husband are at a festival and she sees her family. They attack the couple and she yells for her husband to run, which he does. She is beaten by her family and when the police arrive, they arrest THE WOMAN. She is taken to the police station and beaten and raped by the police, then turned back over to her family. The last anyone saw of this woman was her family beating her severely while they shoved her into the back of a van and drove her off to a factory the family owned. To suggest that Indians should be allowed to continue worshipping idols (or as the Bible makes plain - demons) while supposedly worshipping God, just so they can get along with their families, is ridiculous.

continued......

honesty »

Mon Oct 08, 2007 12:39 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

It would be insensitive to expect a Hindu to changie lifestyle issues such as dress, food, manners etc. But when it comes to worship, Jesus was very clear on His unique divinity as opposed to any of the thousands of deities. I cannot reconcile the inclusion of these deities with the worship of the One True God. How can the truth of His unique divinity and Lordship be inclusive of these false gods? It may be possible to retain the lifestyle of a Hindu as a Christian without involving oneself with the inclusion of these deities, but I am not sure. It would be a good idea to be a bridge builder and try to learn to relate to those of the HIndu culture in ways that make sense to them so that they can see the light of the Good News themselves without being pressured. The Holy Spirit is the one who wins the hearts, but we must not compromise the Person and nature of God just to please society.

dgnymn »

Sun Oct 07, 2007 7:04 pm Agree: 10   Disagree: 2

So what's wrong with wanting to be called a Christian? They were first called Christians at Antioch, the Bible says. And furthermore, Hinduism is about religion - it's the mainframe of the entire culture. They and their thousands of deities!! So now Missiology is courting with being politically and culturally correct? C'mon!! You're not fooling anyone, and all this gobbling about culture and niceties is fine, but it doesn't cover the point that RBB states. We worship a single God, a jealous God who will not be worshipped in conjunction with other false gods, no matter how comfortable it makes those who want to do it. Being a Christian is not a comfortable call, and should never be. And those who want to add Christ to their comfortable culture because it won't offend anyone are making the same mistake as believers in the United States who've bought into the cultural mandate!! Either you're a Christian or not. Not Christ plus Hinduism. Not Christ plus Islam. But Christ only and Him alone!!!

RBB »

Sun Oct 07, 2007 11:06 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 3

bumbasi - But.....what do you think of the question at hand? Is it possible to be a Hindu and a Christian at the same time?

Also, what do you consider the "home front". Being Christian isn't a nationality, it's a religion. Being an American doesn't even figure into the equation. The world is our home front, those God has chosen are our people.

I am aware of the proliferation of mosques, and other worship meeting places in the United States, but having freedom of religion here, there isn't much we can do about it, and if we did, who is to say that we wouldn't have people trying to close our churches. God will bring those He wants to himself and we are to simply preach and let Him worry about the "tares".

I'm also interested in why you seem to be so concerned about Christian girls rather than both sexes.

Lastly... what leaders, and what are you expecting them to do about it?

RBB »

Sun Oct 07, 2007 7:24 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 4

alex12 - No one is asking anyone to change their culture, the way they eat or dress. There is a huge difference between eating habits and how one worships God. By the way I know a lot of Jews, and we do dress, and eat, the same way they do.

To imply that Indians change their religion to make money, is an insult to every Indian Brother and Sister in Christ who is facing persecution, torture, and death every day to follow Jesus. I would suggest your friend acquaint himself with some persecution websites which show the kind of horrific things they are facing every day. If they were just in it for the money they would simply surrender and say they were only trying to make a living, not be beaten, killed, have their loved ones kidnapped, have their homes burned, have their babies killed, and be driven from their homes.

Please cite a passage for your claim that "Paul rebuked Peter for this sort of thing". There is no way of knowing what you are referring to.

I would be interested in where you are getting your data on the make up of who is being converted from the different castes. I can't imagine why it should make any difference anyway, unless you are saying it's harder for a rich man to give up his riches and follow Christ, which Jesus has already said in scripture, and was also played out with the "rich young man". That has nothing to do though with allowing someone to continue in worshipping false gods while "being" a Christian. As for "This is an interesting fact that missionaries are not able to convert these people into full Christians" Missionaries do not convert people, God does. All they do is plant the seed, God gives the increase. If he chooses the poor instead of the rich, that is His business, not ours.

Rome may not have changed over night, but a person must change completely. Once someone has accepted Christ as their Savior there can be no changing back and forth between God and other gods, and to encourage people to do it encourages them to disobey God. Luke 9:62 "No one having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God".

RBB »

Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:18 pm Agree: 5   Disagree: 3

To suggest that somehow someone could remain another religion and still be a follower of Christ is ludicrous.

Let's see.. God came to earth in the form of a man and died the most horrible death imaginable so that we could be reconciled to Him, but He still thinks it's OK for us to remain idol worshippers and practicing other religions that not only aren't worshipping Him, but following a religion who's followers are as we speak brutally persecuting His real followers. Let me think NO!

The fact that there are so many different varieties of Hindu's matters not one iota. A Hindu is a Hindu, not a Christian.

"Krishna" says that "He acknowledges that many Hindus who are in Christ can eventually adjust to Western worship forms, but said this comes at the cost of alienation from family and friends and a possibly closer relationship with God". Well welcome to the real world of being a Christian. It has happened to every generation of Christians right from the very beginning to today. So to suggest that they should remain another religion to avoid it is a slap in the face to every other Christian who has had to put up with this, and worse, for the last 2000 years.

Being a Christian is a singular experience. It is a singular religion. We worship a single God, a jealous God who will not be worshipped in conjunction with other false gods no matter how comfortable it makes those who want to do it.