What to say...what to say

[s41nn0n]

How do you evangelizeto a Hindu?

 

[rocklife]

you might get more replies if you post in the Christians forums, this one is not exactly the right place (just a tip of why you aren't getting many responses)

anyway, www.wayofthemaster.com has some witnessing tips, you can listen to some lessons in the "Get Equipped" section, "Listen to audio lessons." They share how to talk to people about sin and the need for a Savior. The Gospel presentation is very good in my opinion.

www.gfa.org is an organization who ministers in India to many hindus. I am not sure if they have evangelism tips, but maybe reading and listening to their things will also give you some ideas. I've never personally witnessed to Hindu that I know of, so I am just offering what I can. But we are all sinners in need of salvation, we all have that in common.

 

[wiggbuggie]

explain why Jesus came to the earth and died for you and sin

 

[s41nn0n]

explain why Jesus came to the earth and died for you and sin

just 1 problem. Hindus doent believe in sin

 

[heron]

Even if they don't believe in earth-shaking sin, Karma still reflects awareness of wrongful deeds and bad consequences of bad actions.

Look up some of these words:

• pāpa (sin, evil, misfortune)
• pataka (from pat, "to fall")
• enas
• kilbisha
• adharma (synonym of papa)
• anrita and rina (transgress, in the sense of omission).
• prayashchitta (penance)
• tapas (austerity)
• aparadha (offense, fault, mistake)

http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/glossary.htm
http://www.jyotish.ws/wisdom/practical_sanskrit.html

Find out about your friend's faith before you try to convince them yours has more benfits. Treat them with respect for what they have done with what they already believe.

Ask about chanting the name of gods, and ask whether they feel inside them that it can really atone for wrongs they have done.

Ask if they feel connection with their gods, or whether it is just an obligatory or fearful relationship (without expecting a certain answer).


http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/beliefs/karma.htm
http://userwww.sfsu.edu/~doubled/classes/527/ex03/hindu.htm

Be very careful when approaching people who are already devout in their faith -- they see no reason to change, and have often lived a very responsible and considerate life. To come charging in to change that can seem petty and careless.

 

[indianx]

just 1 problem. Hindus doent believe in sin

The Vedanta recognizes no sin it only recognizes error. And the greatest error, says the Vedanta is to say that you are weak, that you are a sinner, a miserable creature, and that you have no power and you cannot do this and that.

- Swami Vivekananda

Is this Hindu a friend of yours?

 

[s41nn0n]

ja

 

[indianx]

Is he relatively devout or nominal in his religious convictions?

 

[heron]

And the greatest error, says the Vedanta is to say that you are weak, that you are a sinner, a miserable creature, and that you have no power and you cannot do this and that.

- Swami Vivekananda

Well, there's a significant difference!!

This is interesting -- in the contacts I have had with Hindu believers, they are quite apologetic and humble socially... but also have a strong and calm confidence in their demeanor. A very beautiful mix.

btw, indianx - I love your avatar!

 

[indianx]

This is interesting -- in the contacts I have had with Hindu believers, they are quite apologetic and humble socially... but also have a strong and calm confidence in their demeanor. A very beautiful mix.

Well, the Swami is talking within a religious context, that is, the innate ability of humans to improve themselves spiritually, to find their salvation, if you will. The concept of God's grace does exist within certain schools of Hindu thought, but most, if not all, expect us as humans to play a very active role in achieving moksha. Now, that might seem somewhat general, but compared to other religions, you will find that Hinduism places a lot more emphasis on that duty. I mean, that is our scriptures talk about things such as the yogas, to assist us towards that end.

I should probably restrict myself to that, in the hope of not drawing the thread away from s41nn0n's question.

 

[heron]

Well, the Swami is talking within a religious context, that is, the innate ability of humans to improve themselves spiritually, to find their salvation, if you will.

I hope that I didn't sound as though I were lumping millions of people together -- I was observing how a tendency might have developed based on a religious belief or practice. With religion being so integral to common life for many spiritual people, it is bound to happen.

play a very active role in achieving moksha. Now, that might seem somewhat general, but compared to other religions, you will find that Hinduism places a lot more emphasis on that duty.

I think it pertains to the OP. We shouldn't try to implement five-step plans to change each other... but try to learn from each other and lift each other up to greater understanding.

A Christian desires that others come to know the living God, and understand His nature and desires for our lives. The challenge is not to fix, but to introduce.

 

[indianx]

Thanks for the excellent response, Heron.

s41nn0n, if you do talk to this brother (or sister), could you tell me how he responds?

 

[baobobtree]

How do you evangelizeto a Hindu?

I can't really tell you what to do, but rather what not to do. For one do not refer to his religion as "demon-worship" or constantly critique it, but rather try and show him/her what's so good about Christianity. Also, don't automatically assume they believe in everything most Hindus do. Hinduism is a very individualistic religion, so take the time to learn what exactly they believe about God/religion etc. instead of simply assuming what they believe based on what you've read on the net. Furthermore if your friend doesn't want to be witnessed to, it's best you probably stop attempting to convert them, or you might lose them as a friend.

 

[s41nn0n]

Thanks for the excellent response, Heron.

s41nn0n, if you do talk to this brother (or sister), could you tell me how he responds?

its a friend

 

[s41nn0n]

I can't really tell you what to do, but rather what not to do. For one do not refer to his religion as "demon-worship" or constantly critique it, but rather try and show him/her what's so good about Christianity. Also, don't automatically assume they believe in everything most Hindus do. Hinduism is a very individualistic religion, so take the time to learn what exactly they believe about God/religion etc. instead of simply assuming what they believe based on what you've read on the net. Furthermore if your friend doesn't want to be witnessed to, it's best you probably stop attempting to convert them, or you might lose them as a friend.

cool thenks

 

[indianx]

its a friend

Right, but he is still my brother in spiritual thought. But, could you update us on how he responds?

 

[s41nn0n]

With pleasure. as soon as I speek to him I will talk to you.

 

[constance]

The thing that is different about Christianity from Hinduism is that God came to us, to be with us, to be one of us - and God freed us from our sins...and is an ever present and intimately close friend.

The best way to show this is through your words and actions. Talk to them - but ask a lot of questions. Learn about them - don't try to school them.

Once you do get to the point of talking about Christianity, start with parables - they are very much like Hindu stories (in their form)...

Ask them to go places with you and other Christian friends.

YOU may not be the person to help them commit to Christ. Concentrate on planting a seed.

 

[Angeldove97]

My roommate was Hindu. I took the time to get to know her beliefs, her god, how she worshipped. In return, she listened to me about what I had to say about Jesus, she even really liked some of the Christian poetry and Bible verses I shared with her. While I'm not sure she's going to be converting any time soon, I feel that I did my part. I gave her some knowledge in a loving way---I think that does alot.

 

[aintzaJainkoari]

The problem with witnessing to Hindus is while they may be interested and the Bible sounds goods, many of us American Christians have set such a bad example for Christianity by not living according to what we believe. So try do your best to follow God's Word even more than prove to them it's correct.