British Pastor's Six Steps for Converting Hindus to Christianity

[Guest guest]

[MODERATOR NOTE: This seems at best tangentially related to the purpose of this

list, but I approve it in case it might generate useful discussion. I suggest

that we steer the discussion into questions of how we as Vaishnavas preach to

Hindus, and how we counter the propaganda which Christians are likely to give

against Hinduism. Also, we should be cognizant of how condescending the

Christian convert in this article comes across, and realize that we as

Vaishnavas must avoid such a condescending attitude when we preach.]

 

British Pastor's Six Steps for Converting Hindus to Christianity

Source: http://www.cmf.org.uk/nucleus//nucjul00/hindu.htm

 

UNITED KINGDOM: In this article, Juge Ram, a Christian convert from

Hinduism and Pastor of Emmanuel Church in Birmingham, England,

answers questions on Hinduism and explains how to reach Hindus with

the Bible. After giving a detailed background of Hindu beliefs and

culture, he suggests a few methods which Christians can use to reach

out to Hindus.

 

Firstly, Hindus arriving from India generally feel isolated or have

difficulties knowing how things operate. Christians can use these

opportunities to offer them assistance, establish friendships and win

their trust. Christians can befriend and help the Hindu wife who is

often at home all day alone with the children and may need friendship

and assistance adjusting to a new culture. Christians should help

them as much as possible and try to get into their homes. It may

be a long and slow process, but it is one of the most successful ways

of bringing Hindus to Christianity.

 

Secondly, the local churches need to demonstrate a concern for the

Hindus in their communities. If there is a large Asian

community and many members cannot speak English, they need to hear the

religious teachings in their own language. This can be done by having

Christian literature in appropriate languages. The church may consider

including books in Asian languages in Christian bookshops or

bookstalls at local events. From time to time churches can have a

bilingual service or an Asian evening. In addition, a bilingual

sermon or a recording of the Bible in their own language can be a

powerful tool for communicating with non-English speaking Hindus.

 

Thirdly, Christians must be aware of cultural differences when

approaching Hindus or risk offending them. For example, a woman who

wants to be a witness to her Asian friends should not wear

miniskirts or other revealing clothing. Men should approach men only.

 

 

Fourthly, Christians should not attack Hinduism or risk alienating the

Hindus. Rather, it is suggested that Christians ask questions about

their religion and let Hindus see the "folly" of it themselves.

 

Fifthly, Hindus are very polite and may give the impression that they

are listening and interested. Christians must not be fooled by this

and think that because they agree with them they are genuinely

interested. Many Hindus will say they believe in Christ and they may

even speak of repentance, but they will continue to worship Hindu

Gods. Therefore, Christians must make it clear to Hindus that they

need to make a clean break from Hinduism.

 

 

Lastly, Christians should use the Bible when witnessing. They can

read the Bible with Hindus and point out how relevant it is to their

lives. Christians must treat the Bible with respect and never put it

on the floor. Hindus can be given copies of the New Testament in

their own language if they cannot read English. Christians should

explain biblical terms through a simple biblical framework and use

biblical or other illustrations to assist them inconveying their

message. The pastor concludes by saying that Hindus are

lost, spiritually blind and are without hope in this world and in the

next. He says that only Christ can release them and exhorts

Christians to share the gospel with them with great humility and

great confidence.

 

The number of practicing Christians in England drops at a rate of

1,000 per day.