Download 03--Hinduism and Buddhism - Park Cities Baptist Church

Youth Website World Religions and Christian Denominations
Park Cities Baptist Church
Jim Denison
Spring 2006
Script 3
Hinduism and Buddhism
13% of the world follows the Hindu faith, more than 800 million people. 6% of the
world, more than 360 million people, are Buddhists. Hinduism has existed as long as
history has been recorded. Buddhism was founded in 523 B.C. The two religions have
much in common, and present a similar challenge to the Christian faith.
Hindu beliefs
Hindus call reality "Brahman." Brahman is the "supreme soul of the universe," without
beginning or ending, unchanging and eternal, beyond all description. Brahman is not a
"god" to be worshiped, but the name for all that is. Many "gods" are worshiped in
Hinduism as a means to oneness with Brahman.
Man is called "Atman," and is a part of Brahman as the air inside a jug is one with the air
outside the jug. The world is not divided into the material and spiritual, for all is one.
We suffer when we do not understand our identity with reality. Salvation is called
"moksha," and comes through the unity of mankind with reality.
Hindus expect to experience many reincarnations as they proceed toward enlightenment.
The law of "karma" states that we are punished or rewarded for our deeds in this life.
The caste system recognizes this law at work. Those who are being punished for deeds in
the previous life are now living in a lower caste. Those who are being rewarded for their
previous life are now living in a higher caste. Hindus believe that they will eventually
cease to exist individually and become one with Brahman.
Buddhist beliefs
Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 B.C.). "Buddha" means
"enlightened one."
The Buddha applied Hinduism to the problem of evil and suffering, with the Four Noble
Truths: suffering is inevitable; suffering comes from wrong desires; eliminating wrong
desires will eliminate suffering; the way to eliminate wrong desires is to follow the
Eightfold Noble Path: right understanding, thoughts, speech, action, livelihood, effort,
meditation, and concentration. By practicing these disciplines, the Buddhist hopes to
experience enlightenment or "nirvana" and become one with reality.
Relating to Hindus and Buddhists
How can Christians respond to Hinduism and Buddhism? First, show that our faiths do
not teach the same truth. For instance, if Hindus and Buddhists are right, we will not
exist as individuals in eternity but will be absorbed into reality. There is no concept of
sin or salvation in either religion, no personal Lord of the universe who will forgive our
failures. These are religions of works, while Christianity is a relationship founded on
grace.
Second, show the relevance of Jesus' life-changing love in your life. Build a relationship
with your Hindu or Buddhist friend. Show that person the compassion of Christ. Prove
that your faith is relevant to your life today.
Third, explain that Jesus provides what your friend is seeking: peace now and in eternity.
His death paid for our sins and gives us the way to relationship with our Creator today.
We don't have to wait through multiple reincarnations or pay for our previous sins. In
fact we cannot: "man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Hebrews
9:27). Jesus is alive today, and is ready to give the peace and joy every Hindu and
Buddhist seeks. Invite your friend to trust in him today.