If Jesus taught that He’s the only way to get to heaven, and Hinduism teaches that there are many ways to “get to heaven” (realizing Hindus don’t necessarily believe in heaven), do you think they could both be correct?

Thanks,
Bill

2 Thess 1:8-9 “He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might…”

John 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”

Like other Hindus I’ve spoken with, you tout Hinduism as being tolerant and open minded, all the while saying how terrible Christianity is. If you’re so open-minded, why aren’t you open to Christianity being correct?

Thanks,
Bill

@shane
What if Muslims were right and Jesus is a messiah sent by Allah? What if your entire belief system i.e, bible is wrong? What if God is the one who loves all and judge those who thinks other as wicked? What if true lord is Buddha?

Please explain what you mean.

Thanks,
Bill

Then please see our Rules of Engagement, paying careful attention to numbers 1, 2, and 7.

“I would also imagine that he would also be peaceable with men from other religions who lived their life with love and respect (for all living beings and God).”

Jesus did not get along with the teachers of false religion and neither did His apostles. Yes Jesus is love and righteousness but He also hates sin and wickedness. All of those that practice such things will face the consequences which does not include Heaven.
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, [10] nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
(1 Corinthians 6:9-10 ESV)
The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, [42] and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
(Matthew 13:41-42 ESV)

Not everyone is a child of God. Sorry Justin, but you can quote all of the philosophy and extra Biblical sources you like but it doesn’t change the fact that everyone without Jesus is at war with God. In the end those people without Jesus will find out what the outcome of that war will be and they will not be on the winning side.

[4] For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
evil may not dwell with you.
[5] The boastful shall not stand before your eyes;
you hate all evildoers.
[6] You destroy those who speak lies;
the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
(Psalm 5:4-6 ESV)

If anyone is not a Christian they are at war with God. More specifically I should maybe say that God is at war with them.”

Hello Shane.
Hope you are well.
I am pleased that you are feeling at peace.
But please do not judge others. (judge and you shall be)

If every man on this earth looked after their part of the bargain and kept good books, we would all have peace.
Please do not give up on any one. No one is at War with God.
God does not want his children to die. He wants all to be given salvation.

Think of how your secular words may bring war against your brothers in themselves.
Every tree is known by its fruit. What fruit do your words offer.
What fruits bring peace and godliness.

What words bring war?
Please choose Love over hate
Peace over war.
Above all
be peaceable.

Early Rasta also
had occult elements
Race Supremacy
Caste System
Motherland

Not to be confused with the words of Halie Selassie, who seemed mile more fair.
Incidentally, Bob Marley, during his later years drew more inspiration from Halie Selassie
than the Rasta Movement who’s ethics were based more on equality than race supremacy.

An example of this would be in the song War, based on one of the Halie Selassie ‘s inspirational speeches to the UN.

As for Halie Selassie, he was said to be confused by the whole rasta Phenomenon, and was unlikely to be a daily pot smoker, as rasta farians are depicted. Od really, as they are supposed to be his followers.
Another example of how people can see something that isnt there, or is it?

If anyone is not a Christian they are at war with God. More specifically I should maybe say that God is at war with them.

Both have Fatherland / MotherLand
Both are connected to the occult
Both are race supremacists.
Both want to Oversee the human race as the Master race.
Both have a caste system.

Interestingly enough, most people asociate Bob Marley as a Rasta, although if you analyse what he beleived in,
during the later years of his life he was more an equalitarian / egalitarian, perhaps after hearing Haile Selassie (the first) speech on War which Bob Marley imortalised in the song titled “War”.

Incidentally, Haile Selassie did not confess to be a rasta either, in fact, during one interview he explained how confused he was about the whole rasta thing he was. He certainly did not convert and I think it highly unlikely that he frequently smoked weed or any other drug.
But there you go, see how easy it is to think you know about something but have no idea what so ever.

“Only once mankind has learnt these simple fundamental lesson, will he be allowed to share in paradise with his creator (possiblly, terms and conditions apply. Read the small print about the apple).”

If you are serious about man being able to “share paradise with God”, you are in error. Man, in his natural state, is at war with God and does not seek reconciliation with him and cannot make himself fit to share anything with God. The Lord Jesus will save all whom the God the Father has chosen and Jesus will make us fit for heaven, to share in the glorious presence of God, clean from all sin – made righteous by Christ. Not by the works of man, lest any man boast.

Just a couple of corrections, as what you have written is incorrect.

Where the Nazi idealism or belief set is similar to the Hindu in that Nazi’s believe
that there is a purity in the genes of an individual as Indians often believe in Superior Genes or at the very least superior families (wealth)

Hindus believe in the idea that people are born into a caste with some being born into a “Master” Brahmin and Ruler (Kind or Wealthy Family) castes,
where others are born into lower Merchant, Artisans and untouchable “Slave” casts.

Nazi’s of course, believed in a caste base society, with superior races ruling, while being served by lower races.

However, the ultimate aim of a Hindu is to gain higher incarnation in the Cosmos, closer to God and away from Demons and Hell worlds / planes.

(this is different to Buddhists who believe the aim of life is to eventually reach Nirvana and then, estiginguish Nirvana in order to put an end to all suffering).

As for Nazi’s, I am not completely sure as to what Hitler or the Nazi’s ultimate spiritual aim in life was, however apparently Hitler did mention a lot about the 1000 year reign which is found in Revelations and many Christian Sects refer to.
However, his mention of the 1000 year reign may simply be manipulation.

This, or something completly different, perhaps even related to Hitlers interest in the Occult and Black Magic.
There is also the theory that Hitler believed that he was the reincarnation of a German profit, so he may still be referring to a 1000 year reign of Christ, but perhaps not the Christ that we all know dipicted in the new testament.

As for the Swastica, I agree, it is a very popular architypal symbol that has been used by many religions as early as history can date, however the main distinction in Hitlers
use was that his Swastica was going in the opposite direction to that of the Buddhists.
This is an important distinction and perhaps symbolically important.

It is possible that Hitlers aim was to do the opposite to that of the Buddhists, and instead of create Nirvana or Peace on Earth,
he was to create an Organized Chaos under his Rule. But this of course would need more evidence to prove.

Nonetheless, in my opinion, all types of caste systems are bad and will never lead to peace on earth. They will only create further conflict and destress between the rulers and the enslaven.

Man still has much to learn in order to find peace.
Only once mankind has learnt these simple fundamental lesson, will he be allowed to share in paradise with his creator (possiblly, terms and conditions apply. Read the small print about the apple).

As you can see your comment is gone. It is incoherent and illogical rambling. A fundamental law of logic is the law of non-contradiction. Principal A and not A cannot both be true at the same time.

You said, ” The disagreement is not with Christ, only with the Church’s claim to one coat fits all.”

That Jesus is the only way to heaven not the church’s claim, but Christ’s claim. He claimed it over and over. If you have a problem with that, your problem is with the Creator of the universe, not with any human.

Here’s the real problem in our communication. You said, “However, in the Hindu worldview there is no room for calling Christianity ( or any other religion) false nor to dislike it. It is both considered true and respected…”

How can the statements “Jesus is the only way to heaven” and “There are many ways to heaven” both be true? The answer is they absolutely cannot both be true. They are contradictory. As long as your thinking violates the laws of logic, you will have trouble with the real world, and you and I will not have any fruitful discussion.

I’m tired of your arguing that I’m wrong, yet claiming that all religions are correct. You are a hypocrite. Don’t bother commenting here again.

I sincerely hope you will find the Truth. I don’t think there’s anything else I can say to help you.

Bill

The posts above only prove how true this verse is. When a pagan is pointed towards the one true God they refuse to follow Him. Many people seek after a god but not many people seek after the God.

It seems you have a problem with the concepts of reality and truth. Regardless of your issues, what I’ve said is true or it is false. If it’s false, then out of love, you should attempt to convince me that what I believe is wrong.

Your dislike of Christian beliefs is not an argument against it, and I no longer care to discuss your feelings. If you disagree with me then please prove me wrong. Until you actually attempt to do this I will personally be deleting your comments.

Thanks,
Bill

You do mean well, from the viewpoint of your convictions. Have you considered that those of the Jihadis are no different ? Only he is also ready to put his sword where his mouth is.

And what are you ready to put …. great deal of money…sure …. insults ….. undoubtedly …. suspension of all reason …..for the most part …. wishing away of millenia old cultures pursued by billions …. this whole blog.

Putting the sword where the eye should be ? … Equally explosive I would think.

I am sure you have some disagreements with Judaism. Have you tried some of your insults with them. ? If you have I shall be curious to know the results, in a country where marking out a Swastika on a hotel lobby glass by an Indian could land him in jail.

Cheers!
sudhir

Hi Reggie P,

Thanks for your post.

Your juxtaposition was very apt. Love thy neighbour. But why. Hinduism provides a direct answer. Because he and you are part of the same underlying essence. And frankly to me ‘the brotherhood’ in all other contexts is an uncomfortable phrase. It has meant blood and gore, conquest, rape and destruction. All in the name of some provincial God which is the only True God. And he would enforce this God by sword or cannon.

This blog needs more of your time Reggie P. Hinduism or any -ism (why even racism in a certain benign context) all have a place under the Sun. This wisdom of the East uncreated only discovered like physical laws of the Universe, can never be eclipsed by mere assertions based only on a holy legislative wish list. But in the age of multi media it can sometimes be outshouted temporarily. This should not be allowed too. Proposition for a proposition….. with patience and tolerance but not unconditional tolerance.

good wishes

sudhir

The issue isn’t which religion we like most, but which is true. Hinduism is false, and its gods are not gods at all.

There is one God, and He provided one way to get to heaven, which is one way more than He had to provide.

Thanks,
Bill

So according to these religions where does everyone else go to hell

Lord Krishna(god) – I abandon no one. Hinduism is the only religion that can bring brotherhood to all of mankind.

I am from India too. But I am mystified at your beliefs.
You obviously dont reject the theory of Aryan supremacy. But why do you reject the theory that Aryans were not outsiders to India. Is it because that is what is taught in the official history books.

You say – “he (Hitler) was not a Hindu but very close to SANATAN religion(composed of hinduism,buddhism, jainism)”. Do you have any evidence in any of his writings, speeches or actions. Most readers of this blog would be interested to know.

regards

sudhir mittal

In 1500BC our ancestors from middle east came in to Indian subcontinent and adopted Hinduism(Hinduism is latest word but the religion with same traditions,caste system etc).

The biggest empire of India Mauryan empire was a hindu empire of Aryan roots. About hitler being a Hindu or not , my answer will be no he was not a hindu but very close to SANATAN religion(composed of hinduism,buddhism,jainism).

He never spill hatred against Hindu at all many of his friends were hindu like Subhas CHANDRA bose, once he said that he can conquer the whole world if he get the regiment of GORKHA and gorkha are hindu who pray lord Shiva and Goddess Kali.

Was Hitler a christian, my answer no way.

He is definitely close to Hinduism rather than any other religion of world.

You may recollect quite a while ago I wrote this mail to you. I thought for all the effort it may be of interest to our bloggers. Here goes …

“Let me express my admiration for your streadfast faith, deep resolve to spread it, unrelenting industry and effective organisation. If Hinduism had a millionth of these it would not have been misunderstood and maligned so much. But the solace is that deep and sensitive minds all over the globe have recognised its breadth, depth and its majesty together with the truths of Christianity.

You asked “So, who has decided which deeds are bad?

For every action there is a reaction.So with human actions. Physiologically and Pshychologically, and in a deeper sense ecologically. Reaction to the deeds of avarice, anger, gluttony, covetousness, lying will hinder your spiritual progress. So certain dos and donts have come down in the body of spiritual literature as primary school curriculum for the spiritual path. There is a long way to go after that. Isaac Bashevis Singer (?) or an israeli literature Nobel Laurete anyways once said – I see Judaism as a straight river meeting the sea on the plain below, from a cliff on a clear day. And I see Hinduism as a innumerable mountain ranges one higher than another which eventually disappear above the clouds. This discussion about good or bad deeds is at the foot of the first mountain range.

Has God decided?

At one level God is definitely seen Personifying a union of the whole creation – in anthropomorphic forms such as in the ‘Viraat’ form shown to Arjun by Krishn in the Geeta. He is certainly seen to intervene in the Karmic Cycle with Grace for the devotee. But he is not seen as the ultimate grand old man laying down the law of the land in time and space. There is however a definite concept of right and wrong. Punya and Paap. Meritorious deeds and sinful deeds. And much of this has come down to us from Rishis or enlightened seers who “heard” the truth in their mind’s ear ( as revealed to them by God), in exalted states. But there is no theology positing good and evil as two poles on which the whole scheme of things in creation stands or falls. In the Ramayana a religious, spiritual, penace making, Shiva worshipping, learned king Ravan, abducts Rama’s wife Sita or (Goddess of the Universe), thereby commiting a grave sin. He had the good fortune of being killed by Ram (incarnation of God) Himself and therein lay his redemption. He goes straight to heaven. As a child we saw the king as the villain of the piece, the Devil. As you grow you know who he really is. So these stories are huge symbols to express the sublime to the masses. They are not to be taken literally.
So yes finally as the whole grand scheme is God’s He has decided. But He delegates by revealing to the Rishis.

“How many gods do you believe in?”

That depends upon what one means by the word. If you mean the Ultimate Reality (Sat), the Ultimate Consciousness (chit) and Ultimate Bliss (Anand), the One without Second ( Adwitiya), the One beyond Time (Akal), The One beyond Space (Anant), the One without form (Nirakar) – it doesnt need more insight than a Grade 5 child to say that this is possible only in a Unity. So God here is ONE. But not in the sense that Romans or Greeks had Zeus and Apollo and Poseidon but we have only ONE. We mean the God in these terms cannot be conceived in any other terms but Unity. And this every illiterate Hindu knew without any math class through millions of images he worshipped or inclined to worship.

But this Unity can also be differentiated in a million forms each reflecting some part of the Unity. Each of these could be termed as ‘god’ without forgetting the reverse direction of integration back to Unity. HInduism says God the Undifferentiated is formless and ineffable. To reach it you could conceive of it in any form that pleases your spirit. If you have been fascinated by the stories and antics of little Krishna on your mother’s lap and later reading on your own his discourse in the Gita and his Viraat form and if that Krishna’s form evokes in you thoughts and feelings of devotion, choose this form for your devotions. This is your ‘Ishta Dev’ or your personal god. Likewise for someone in a village who feels the same way through the image of the village deity. That is his or her ‘Ishta’. The monkey god Hanuman is the ‘Ihta’ of crores in India. And do you know who he was. He was a great devotee of Ram and through his unparalled devotions reached an exalted position next to him. It is actually surprising why there are only so many gods in India and not many more.

So to answer your question, ONE GOd and INFINITE gods depending on which side of the coin you want to look at. The ancient Rishis who ‘heard’ in their inner ear, on the nature of the Unity and Infinity also devised the concept of Zero.

“So bad karma is the only punishment for bad deeds? What is the punishment for telling a lie (for example)?”
If you commit a bad deed – lying, cheating, violence, you are disturbing the natural order. The natural order will react in several ways. Repeated indulgence reinforces your tendencies and your personality is altered pulling you deeper down. Reaction may come here and now through interactions with external forces in the sense of deep ecology. Reactions (Karma) could also be carried with you to the next life as fine matter to work themselves out. Now these are natural processes in which the One God does not interfere. But in His conception with Form, as Viraat, or Bhagwan He engages in the cycle of Karma with Grace. He could be reached through any of the personal gods( Ishta) . Of course a stage comes when the seeker can drop the ‘Ishta’ form and move to the level of worshop of the Formless. Initiates to this are forbidden even to enter a temple. So these gods, million images, rituals, sin, good meritorious deeds are just the junior school of the spiritual and religious life.
“I appreciate that you have come very close to learning the gospel message. I would correct you on a couple of things. The doctrines of Christianity were not chosen by Roman bishops. Much of what you explained in your understanding of the gospel comes from the Old Testament. Judaism believes those things without any votes by us gentiles”.
My reference was more to the fact that several interpretations existed on what Christ actually said or meant. But like in a senate some were bundled out others were badly amended and what we get perhaps does not include the experience of equally enlightened men and women. What happennd to the Gnostic Gospels. The Dead Sea Scrolls. Why is the life of Christ from 12 to 30 completely blanked out. This is how an act of parliament is passed by a majority. And that is how it looks atleast from historical evidence as happened to the making of the Bible.
Also, faith in Jesus is more than intellectual assent to a list of doctrines. Jesus said we must die to ourselves and live for Him (Matt 10). That means that we must do what He says, which we do through His power.
When Christianity came on the scene the world had seen at the least some 5 to 10 millenia of intense spiritual enquiry in the subcontinent. A fascinated man watching the Sun go down … Suppose this Earth and Sun were not there then what would have been here … Suppose I were not there … the Human as a spiritual child talking to himself or the Sun. Through intense search and enquiry (certainly inspired by the One, call Him God) many exclaimed separately … I have found the mystery of the ineffable One.. of the Sun of the Skies .. of all there is and was and will be. That Thou Art. Tat Tvam Asi. Whatever is outside and whatever is inside is one continuum and that is the Ultimate Reality. Now tell me in thsi conceptio of the Universe is itpossible to admit of God as a grand old man with flowing beard ruling over the heavens and laying the law like an emperor of emperors. There are incarnations and many, there is sacrifice, there are good and bad deeds and there is penalty.
But believe me Bill here is actually a case of someone sitting on a really high mountian range probably above the clouds being told … oh you do not see far enough … come to my house by the straight river to the sea. I will tell you a story. THE story of the Universe. No belittling meant in this comparison just to juxtapose the situation. Question still remains that many Hindus let alone others are not aware of their heritage. This has social, historical and polticial reasons. But I am happy that like many things it is Americans who changing this. Do you think the article in Newsweek a few months back ” Are We all Becoming HIndus Now” has any firm basis ?
Since we’re discussing fruit, here’s an analogy from Jesus Himself. A fruit tree bears fruit. It doesn’t bear fruit to become a fruit tree, but it bears fruit naturally. A thorn bush bears thorns because it is a thorn bush. We are born as thorn bushes, but God changes us to fruit trees. We can claim to be fruit trees, but if we go on bearing thorns, everyone knows we’re lying. If we bear fruit, we know God has changed us into fruit trees.

The ancient Rishis preclaimed – “You are the children of Immortal Bliss”. That Thou Art. The Ultimate Substrate Brahman is within me. (Aham Brahmasmi) I am the fruit of God’s tree.

The Old Testament says Man was once in the lap of God. Not a HUGE difference there. Of some semantics and some intellectual trapeze maybe.

The Bible says – Humans You are vile, dead in your sins, a thorn bush. You have broken your covenant with God. The Rishis said, though you are One with HIM, You dont see that because of the veil ( how close to evil) of MAYA. Maya in sankrit simply means “which is not That”. There is a rope lying on the road at dusk. You see in it a snake. But the rope is there for you to see. How to overcome Maya is the essence of HIndu spiritual practice. Karma good or bad are all in the province of Maya.

We see that the terminal states of Man in both traditions are the same. On the way down for Man and the way back Up we may differ in our stories. You say it was transgression. Very clear and matter of factly. HIndu are not so sure why Maya. But they are quite claer what is the way up. There are many ways as are temperaments. It may not happen in one life. Time is cyclic. And it goes on.

I am myself surprised at this huge body of text. I hope it shall be some help towards understanding of Hinduism.”

best wishes

sudhir
- Show quoted text -

On the contrary… Love compels me to warn you about sin and judgment.

In Christian love,
- Jeff H