Christianity vs. Other World Religions: HINDUISM {Part 4}
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This free essay is Part 4 of the series “Christianity vs. Other World Religions”. Visit THIS PAGE for links to the complete series, as essays are released.
“Come and see.”
In the first chapter of John, Jesus found Philip, and said to him, “Follow me.” Philip ran to get Nathanael, telling him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about…Jesus of Nazareth!” Nathaniel said to Philip, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” (John 1.43-46)
In response, what came out of Philip’s mouth are some of my favorite words in all Scripture. “Come and see.” These three simple words Philip used to answer Nathanael’s question are a wonderful model for us in learning how to share our Christian faith with others and invite them into the experience of faith.1
If you find yourself among non-believers (friend, family, or foe), and feel led to extend an invitation to a Christian gathering, but words fail you, remember Philip’s words. “Come and see.” Perhaps that’s the only invitation they need.
In this post, you may find that certain Hindu practices resemble those of Buddhism. There are also similarities to Islam. We’re about halfway through this series, and it’s a lot to absorb. My goal is to present an overview. If you want to learn more, check the footnotes and links at the bottom of each essay.
Hinduism—
The Hindu religion is said to be one of the oldest religions, if not the oldest. If you talk to Hindus, they will likely claim this to be true.
Historians confirm the existence of complete scriptural Hindu texts dating back 3,000 years.2 Going back as far as 4,000 years ago, a group of Aryan people from northern India brought the teachings of Hinduism to the rest of the subcontinent. (Today, this includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.) The teachings were shared orally from teacher to student. Over time, this was put into written form called Vedas.3
Most of us have witnessed or heard of occurrences within religious communities that should not be tolerated. Instances of abuse, neglect, or rejection inside a church or faith system seem unthinkable.
Recently, I read the story of a Christian family in Southeast Asia who were raised Hindu. After becoming Christians in 2021, “they quickly realized the cost of their decision as their relatives beat them and drove them from the village” [where they lived].4
By the grace of God, they found refuge through a church and lived on the church’s land for several years.5 During this time, church members had the opportunity to disciple them in the Christian faith. God continued to provide for the family when they faced more obstacles, like the loss of their home and income.
Thanks to assistance received from an international church organization, they were able to settle on leased land, build a home, and earn a living. They continue to grow in the faith, praying that more Hindus will come to know Jesus.6
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Praise the Lord for the boldness of this family to stand firm in their Christian faith. What a beautiful story of redemption, and a reminder that the gospel message is for everyone.
Commonalities—
There are few commonalities among Christianity and Hinduism. The Hindu religion is complicated, making it challenging to pinpoint similarities. As one Christian teacher explains, “Hinduism is not exclusive and accepts all religions as valid. Christianity, however, teaches that Christ is the only way to God.”7
Here is a short list, though number one points back to the ancient practice of both religions—one that is no longer required of Christians under the New Testament Covenant.
One commonality applicable to most ancient religions is the practice of reparation for sins through sacrifices to a god. This did include Hinduism and ancient Judaism (Israel), both known to have practiced animal sacrifice.8
A second commonality is that the theologies of both Hinduism and Christianity preach a divine commandment of righteousness, with failure to comply resulting in a penalty.9 (see #4. below)
Major Differences—
Christianity and Hinduism are different on many levels. For the sake of space and time, listed below are five notable differences.
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1.17
#1. On God / gods— Christianity is monotheistic (the belief that there is only one God).10 As such, the Creator of all things desires to have a personal relationship with us—He is a personal God. Hinduism is pantheistic (showing or holding a belief in many or all gods, or the belief that God exists in, and is the same as, all things, animals, and people within the universe).11 Hindus believe in an impersonal deity: Brahman, the creator of Hinduism.12
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3.16
#2. On human dignity— The Bible (Christian) teaches that every person has inherent moral worth because Christ died for all.13 The Hindu religion teaches followers to embrace their individualistic values, taking into consideration the previous lives they have lived through reincarnation.
So God created [humankind] in his own image, in the image of God he created them… Genesis 1.27
#3. On the value of women— In the Christian faith, all people are image-bearers of God—including women! Christianity places value on women. About woman, Proverbs says, “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue” (31.26). Hinduism has historically placed low value on women. While improved in some locations and sects of Hinduism, there is a long way to go in abolishing outdated and irrelevant traditions [affecting women] like child-marriage, arranged marriage, lack of education, abuse, and more.14
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… Romans 3.23
#4. On sin— Christianity teaches that all human beings are born with a sinful nature, but salvation by grace through faith in Jesus brings us into right relationship with God. In the Hindu faith, there is no acknowledgement of original sin, but they view sin as a formation or a consequence of desire-ridden actions, evil nature, [or] karma.15
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ... Philippians 3.20
#5. On the afterlife— Christians hold to the teaching of Scripture, that as sons and daughters of God, we will spend eternity with Jesus Christ. Hinduism sees the afterlife as a repetitious cycle of births and rebirths (Karma).16 Theirs is a works-based cycle intent on earning their way to freedom from the cycle.
How to Engage?—
Remember Nathaniel’s rather condescending response to Philip. “Can anything good come from [this]?” By comparison, Philip’s words seem expectant. “Come and see!” It’s as if he was saying, “What have we got to lose?” Shortly thereafter, Nathaniel met Jesus, and was forever changed.
So, if you find yourself in the presence of a Hindu, and you feel compelled to invite them to a Christian gathering (or simply out to lunch to get to know them better)—but you’re hesitant on how to begin, try the “Come and see” mindset. Extend the hand of friendship. Invite them to have coffee. Ask them to join you for a worship night or women’s event at church.
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As you consider how to interact with those outside the Christian faith, remember these steps shared throughout the series.
Be bold—“…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” —Matthew 5.16
Be respectful, kind, and wise—“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” —Colossians 4.5-6
Be willing to listen—“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3.15
Be open to extending an invitation—“Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!” Psalm 66.5
In future editions of this free series, we will look at the sects of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and Christian Scientists.
GO HERE to find the links to each post in the series.
Come and See: John 1 Sermon Notes. By Rev. Dr. Gary Klingsporn. TheologyofWork.org. https://www.theologyofwork.org/the-high-calling/sermon/come-and-see-john-1-sermon-notes/ Link effective 2/20/2025.
Which story is the oldest? Britannica.con. https://www.britannica.com/story/which-religion-is-the-oldest. Link effective 2/18/2025.
Teaching the Differences between Christianity and Hinduism. By Rev. Dr. Philip Rigdon for Concordia Publishing House blog. https://blog.cph.org/teach/teaching-the-differences-between-christianity-and-hinduism. Link effective 2/18/2025.
Christians Driven from Hindu Village Find Strength in Church. Persecution.org. You can read the rest of this story by following the link. https://www.persecution.org/2024/10/15/christians-driven-from-hindu-village-find-strength-in-church/ Link effective 2/19/2025.
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Comparison Christianity and Hinduism. All About Religion. https://www.allaboutreligion.org/comparison-christianity-and-hinduism-faq.htm. Link effective 2/18/2025.
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Monotheistic : meaning. © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/monotheistic. Link effective 2/21/2025.
Pantheistic : meaning. © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/pantheistic. Link effective 2/21/2025.
Evidence Unseen. By James M. Rochford. https://www.evidenceunseen.com/world-religions/hinduism/comparing-hinduism-with-christianity/ Link effective 2/20/2025.
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The Role of Patriarchy in Hinduism. By Vaishnavi Pallapothu. https://medium.com/the-red-elephant-foundation/the-role-of-patriarchy-in-hinduism-414424eed59a. Link effective 2/19/2025.
The Concept of Sin in Hinduism. By by Jayaram V. Hinduwebsite.com. https://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/h_sin.asp. Link effective 2/20/2025.
Evidence Unseen. By James M. Rochford. https://www.evidenceunseen.com/world-religions/hinduism/comparing-hinduism-with-christianity/ Link effective 2/20/2025.