There is no doubt that our society has been influenced by Hinduism. All I have to do to prove my point is to mention words such as “karma, reincarnation, and dharma.” Because this is true one must ask the obvious question, “Why is Hinduism so appealing?”
One reason is because we have taken these foreign concepts and have made them more desirable in our cultural context. For example, some believe that because of reincarnation, one can attempt to learn more about who he/she was in a past life. Many have consulted psychics to see if they were, at one time, a famous celebrity or a powerful world leader.
One reason is because we have taken these foreign concepts and have made them more desirable in our cultural context. For example, some believe that because of reincarnation, one can attempt to learn more about who he/she was in a past life. Many have consulted psychics to see if they were, at one time, a famous celebrity or a powerful world leader.
Hinduism, however, teaches that reincarnation is not an exciting and/or desirable thing. In fact, their beliefs and practices are meant to liberate them from the endless cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth. Hinduism also teaches that human beings may have, at one time, been something as insignificant as an insect or plant. Hindus from Southeast Asia also teach that one cannot know who or what they were in a previous life.
Our society also teaches that that the effects of bad karma can be changed in this life. This is the concept of the hit TV show “My Name is Earl.” This show is about a man (Earl) who comes to realize that his bad fortune can be reversed by correcting all the wrongs he has committed.
Our society also teaches that that the effects of bad karma can be changed in this life. This is the concept of the hit TV show “My Name is Earl.” This show is about a man (Earl) who comes to realize that his bad fortune can be reversed by correcting all the wrongs he has committed.
Hinduism teaches, however, that the effects of karma are permanent until the end of a life cycle. For example, a person who is in a horrible way must remain in that condition as punishment for bad karma. Only when their life comes to an end do they have the chance to be reborn into a better situation.
Our society has taken a belief system and has added elements that are more hopeful and promising even though they did not exist originally. Elements of the Christian faith, however, provide hope that have not been added, but declared by God Himself. God’s word affirms that those who are in Christ will be glorified. This means that when one dies, he/she will not return to a life of suffering, but will enter into the presence of the Lord. There believers will no longer experience pain and death, but will be given resurrection bodies, like Jesus' resurrection body, and will live life as God intended.
Another element of the Christian faith that has not been altered is the teaching of forgiveness. Unlike karma, sin is not simply failing to fulfill specific duties, but is moral rebellion against God. Bad karma results in living life in a worse situation than experienced previously; whereas sin results in separation from God. The results of bad karma are fixed and cannot be overcome in a lifetime, but sin's removal is free.
Even though all have turned away from the profitable path; God demonstrated his love for us by sending Christ who lived the perfect life that we could never live and died as our substitute and perfect sacrifice (Romans 5:8). If we trust in Him for salvation we can be rescued from this desperate state of existence and restored to a right relationship with him. This message of hope should be shared with people of all faiths, especially Hindus. No world religion offers forgiveness of sins. What Jesus offers is extremely unique and is appealing to many who hear.
Our society has taken a belief system and has added elements that are more hopeful and promising even though they did not exist originally. Elements of the Christian faith, however, provide hope that have not been added, but declared by God Himself. God’s word affirms that those who are in Christ will be glorified. This means that when one dies, he/she will not return to a life of suffering, but will enter into the presence of the Lord. There believers will no longer experience pain and death, but will be given resurrection bodies, like Jesus' resurrection body, and will live life as God intended.
Another element of the Christian faith that has not been altered is the teaching of forgiveness. Unlike karma, sin is not simply failing to fulfill specific duties, but is moral rebellion against God. Bad karma results in living life in a worse situation than experienced previously; whereas sin results in separation from God. The results of bad karma are fixed and cannot be overcome in a lifetime, but sin's removal is free.
Even though all have turned away from the profitable path; God demonstrated his love for us by sending Christ who lived the perfect life that we could never live and died as our substitute and perfect sacrifice (Romans 5:8). If we trust in Him for salvation we can be rescued from this desperate state of existence and restored to a right relationship with him. This message of hope should be shared with people of all faiths, especially Hindus. No world religion offers forgiveness of sins. What Jesus offers is extremely unique and is appealing to many who hear.
