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Building Bridges to Your Hindu Neighbor
By Dr. Ivan Satyavrata
Dr. Satyavrata is the 2009-2010 J. Philip Hogan Professors of World Missions at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, Missouri. He leads the Assemblies of God church and its network of ministries in Kolkata, India, founded by the late Mark Buntain. These ministries include a hospital, medical services, and a school system for thousands of students. Nearly 20,000 children a day receive meals and basic care through the auspices of this mission. Previous to assuming his current role in 2006, he was President of Southern Asia Bible College in Bangalore, India, during which time he played an active role in evangelical theological education in India as chairperson of the Asia Theological Association and the Langham Partnership Regional Council (South Asia). He now serves as chairperson of the Board of the Center for Global Leadership Development (formerly Southern Asia Bible College). He also chairs the AG Association for Theological Education in South Asia, the Board of Bombay Teen Challenge, and serves on the Board of World Vision, India.
Most Christians react in one of two ways when confronted with the religious and cultural world of the Hindu. One reaction is fearful retreat into the ghetto of comfortable denial and lack of meaningful engagement. If the Hindu ventures into the Christian world, some Christians might preach to that Hindu about how misguided idolatry is, and that if he or she wants to go to heaven, the only way is to reject the ancestral faith and join a church. Other Christians become confused and sometimes go through a crisis of faith and loss of confidence in the gospel. They become reluctant to share Jesus with a Hindu because of so-called "tolerance," not wanting to appear as a religious bigot or fanatical fundamentalist.
Principles for Interacting with Hindus
Paul's approach at Athens (Acts 17:16-34) is the only New Testament model of gospel communication in a context similar to the Hindu context. From this passage come four simple principles for interacting with Hindus.
1. To share Jesus effectively with Hindus, we first need to show respect for them and their life experience. Paul was distressed by the idolatry at Athens (verse16), but impressed by their hunger for God (verse 22). He did not approve of their idol worship, but he never condemned it.
A follower of Jesus is not called to convert anyone but to simply tell his or her story of encounter with Jesus — a story backed up by an authentic lifestyle.
- Respect involves humility - We must not claim that Christianity is superior to Hinduism, that there is no good whatsoever in Hinduism, or that Christians are better people than Hindus.
- Respect involves listening - Paul listened to the heathen philosophers (verse 17). The term "reasoned" occurs ten times in Acts 17-24, implying that Paul had a conversation and listened to the point of view of others. If we want Hindus to listen to us, we must first listen to them.
2. To share Jesus effectively with Hindus we need to build bridges rather than walls. There were many things about the religion of Athens that were contrary to Paul's faith - idolatry, polytheism, and temple worship. He could have debated and tried to force these beliefs on them, but he did not. Instead, he built bridges.
- Bridge of language - Avoid confrontational language that ridicules Hindu gods, beliefs, and religious practices. Hindus are not our enemies.
- Bridge of sensitivity - Paul displayed sensitivity to their beliefs. He not only saw the error and darkness in religion, but also religion as expression of a thirst for God which Christ could satisfy (verse 23).
3. To share Jesus effectively, we must find points of contact and use them as "landing strips" to communicate the gospel. We need to look for such points of contact in our approach to Hindus:
- Sacrifice - sacrifice as atonement for sins is a prominent theme in the Hindu scriptures.
- Incarnation (Avatara) - Prominent in popular Hinduism.
- Miracles - Hindus always live in the hope and expectation of the possibility of divine intervention.
- Union with God - The deepest aspiration of Hinduism is for union with God. Hindus long for an experience with God which Jesus alone can satisfy.
I have discovered that when you share your experience of Christ with Hindus simply and clearly... with gentleness and respect, Hindus find our incomparable Jesus irresistibly attractive.
4. To share Jesus effectively, Christians must find a way to connect the story of Jesus with their story. Show genuine interest in their lives. Don't be afraid to affirm good values or behavior as a point of connection. For instance, to a sincere and honest fellow-worker: "I really admire your work ethic. Why are you so sincere?" Or to a neighbor who attends the temple regularly: "I notice how devoted you are. What does this do for you? Does this bring you peace and satisfaction?"
Once Paul had connected by finding a point of contact (17:30,31), he went on to share his story, the story of Jesus — who He is and what His coming, life, death, and resurrection meant for the world. Christmas traditions and celebrations often provide opportunities to share with a Hindu the story of Jesus' coming and purpose on earth.
A follower of Jesus is not called to convert anyone but to simply tell his or her story of encounter with Jesus — a story backed up by an authentic lifestyle (1 Peter 3:15). The approach and posture must be, I have tasted Christ, and He truly satisfies. I want to share Him with you!
I have discovered that when you share your experience of Christ with Hindus simply and clearly, not with a proud or arrogant spirit, but with gentleness and respect, Hindus find our incomparable Jesus irresistibly attractive.
