Introducing... You!
"Hinduism is the only true religion, and my beliefs affect every part of my life from how I spend my time, what I eat, and even the types of friends I choose. I am also motivated to share my 'faith' with others because I firmly believes Hinduism is the only true path to peace. I believe that all people are trapped in a cycle of reincarnation and karma, which means once you die, you are born again as a plant, animal, or person, depending on how good or evil you were in the previous life. I believe there are three ways to break this cycle:
- The first 'way of works' is the attempt to purify one's soul by the careful devotion/obedience to all the laws and obligations of the Hindu scriptures (called "Vedas").
- The second way is called the 'way of knowledge'. It is the opposite of the way of works and teaches the total rejection and denial of one's individual life and instead seeks salvation in a mystical realization of identity with Brahman.
- The third way is by far the most popular; it is the 'way of devotion'. According to this point of view, if one commits oneself totally to the worship of a particular god or goddess, that deity will then take care of all the details as far as releasing you from the reincarnation/karma cycle. The way that works is if I devote myself completely to Krishna, then Krishna will take care of my karma problems and usher me into oneness with him when I die.
So one is saved from karma and reincarnation by following one of the three ways, and the result will be a state of bliss in union with 'god'."
What do you think about God? Is He real or not?
What you say: "I don't believe in the God of the universe revealed in the Bible as Yahweh"
What the Bible says: God identified Himself as "I Am" (Exodus 20:2) - meaning He is the self-existent (has no beginning or end) eternal Creator of the universe.
Answer 1: How can all of these things in planet earth be so perfect, too good to be true? For example, the earth is the perfect distance from the sun. If it were just a few miles closer, we'd all burn up. A few miles further out, and we'd all freeze to death!
Answer 2: It makes more sense to believe in God than to not believe. If you believe, and God exists, you will be rewarded in the afterlife. If you do not believe, and He exists, you will be punished for your disbelief. If He does not exist, you have lost nothing either way.
What do you think about the Trinity? Is it real?
What you say: "I don't believe in the Trinity revealed in the Bible, although Brahman is a 'three in one' type of god"
What the Bible says: There is one God and yet three Persons (Isaiah 45:5; Deuteronomy 6:4; James 2:19).
What do you think about Jesus? Was He real?
What you say: "I believe that Jesus was just one manifestation or 'appearance' of his supreme god of the universe."
What the Bible says: Jesus is fully God and fully man, and not a manifestation or appearance of the Hindu god Brahman. He is the God of the universe (John 1:1, 14, 18; 8:58 ; 10:30 . Compare Titus 2:13 and Isaiah 45:21), and He is equal with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit.
What about the Bible, is it true?
What you say: "I don't believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, but I do believe that the Vedas are the only sacred scriptures."
What the Bible says: The Bible alone is the word of God. It is without error. It cannot and should not be added to or subtracted from (2 Timothy 3:16-4:4; Revelation 22:18-20). The Vedas are not sacred scripture because their 'inspiration' comes from a false god.
What about the Afterlife?
What you say: "I believe in reincarnation through the cycles of Karma, which is an afterlife driven by the law of cause and effect. This means what I do in this lifetime, either good or bad, determines what will happen to me in the next lifetime, on and on through time, until I successfully complete one of the three 'ways of salvation' and lose my individual identity to Brahman."
What the Bible says: Those who trust in Christ alone as their only hope of salvation spend eternity in heaven; those who reject Christ spend an eternity in hell. (John 5:24-30; Revelation 20:11-15). The Bible denies the concept of reincarnation (Hebrews 9:27-28).
What about salvation?
What you say: "Salvation is breaking free of the reincarnation/Karma cycle and becoming one with Brahman. "
What the Bible says: Salvation is by faith in Christ on the basis of His death on the cross. Good works or self-denial have nothing to do with being saved (John 3:16 -17, 36; 6:29 ,47; Romans 4:1-5; Galatians 2:16 ; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5), nor can a false deity get you into heaven.
Salvation in Jesus Christ gives us endless freedom from suffering, guilt, and sin and also the gift of eternal good life without suffering! In Matthew 11:28, Jesus makes this promise: " Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." This is the reason why Jesus died on the cross for you! That's something to look forward to!
Are you a good person?
