Hinduism

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Esperance

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I have a few co-workers who are from India and are Hindu. Can anyone recommend some good apologetic resources? I mean, I know they dont eat red meat because of the reincarnation thing, but its completely different than talking to a Protestant…

Thanks,
Matt
 
Thanks for this thread. I guess I dont know much of anything about Hinduism, so I was looking for maybe books or tracts or something. I imagine talking about the contrast between reincarnation and resurrection of the body would be a large gap for a Hindu to understand, maybe you could shed some light on what about the Faith is attractive and what is more difficult.
 
Well, to be honest, most Hindus are paranoid of Christians. For a start, you can explain to your Hindu friends about Israel, its history, culture and people. Many Hindus are ignorant that Israel was the birthplace of Christ. They think of it as a “western” religion. Mostly due to the British who left a very bad impression of their lifestyles and bigoted acts against them. That is why even today Bollywood portrays the Brits as demonic people.

Develop a close bond with them. Talk to them, and let them know you can be trusted. We are well known for our hospitality but we also appreciate it in return. If you were to go head on with a Hindu (i mean to start preaching about Christ), it will definitely turn him/her off. Hindus love talking about their religion, so ask them questions.

Questions on rebirth (Hindus have various interpretations on it - and you can explain to them about the God incarnate, Jesus). Hindus offer sacrifices to God (in forms of pooja, breaking of a coconut or ritualistic fire-walking ceremonies, etc). Explain to them about our Eucharist. Ask them about the different manifestations of God; of why Hindus have different manifestations of God in the forms of statues and icons. Explain to them how Catholics are similar, but adhere strictly to the teachings of the Bible. Last thing you want to do is to call them idol worshipers, so you have to choose your words carefully.

Contrary to popular western beliefs due to misinformation and egoistical minds, Hindus actually believe in a monotheistic God. But definitely not the God of Israel. Hinduism is a primitive religion but not as “primitive” as some western authors paint them to be. Primitive in the sense that in the beginning of Hinduism, people wanted to know who God was, and how God looked like and how God was interacting in their daily lives. That is why the statues are there in temples even today.

I have to go for now but i will post more tomorrow. Do keep the questions coming and i will try to help as much as i can. 🙂
 
Christian Apologetics Handbook by Kreeft (Peter) and Tancredi has some good info on how to adress the fallacies of karma, reincarnation, atman, etc…
 
Where are you from? Whats your religious affiliation? If you don’t mind me asking. 🙂
 
Ah yes. Ireland (a Catholic nation - founded by a Catholic saint) often had to tolerate the oppressors sometimes in a very harsh way. I am well aware of the Orange Order, Ian Paisely and the likes. I’ll chat up later mate. Got to have some rest. 🙂
 
Thank you all for your insight, very helpful.

So in general a Hindu would perceive the Catholic church and the Anglican church as basically the same thing? Similar to how I do not know the difference in the branches of Hinduism?
 
Cathopologist, thank you for sharing your truly beautiful conversion story.
 
Esperance said:
Thank you all for your insight, very helpful.

So in general a Hindu would perceive the Catholic church and the Anglican church as basically the same thing? Similar to how I do not know the difference in the branches of Hinduism?
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Yes, that’s correct.
 
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