Technology and immigration enrich us as we learn about and celebrate various world cultures. Our palates expand as we taste new cuisines. Our imaginations are sparked by intriguing traditions, ethnic dances, and colorful clothing. Yet, with the richness these cultures add to society, they also bring their false religions. We must be alert and not allow false ideas — things contrary to Scripture — to seep into our minds, our lives, and even our churches. We should critically examine our own beliefs and practices to make sure they remain true to God’s Word.
The complex Hindu belief system is practiced in a myriad of ways in India and around the world. Several tenets of Hinduism have crept into western society, increasingly so in recent years. Pop icons such as the Beatles, people who travel to India to learn about Hinduism, and Hindu teachers known as gurus have been instrumental in spreading the ideas of Hinduism.
Estimates indicate as many as 55 million Americans practice yoga today. I am often asked whether I think this is acceptable for a Christian. If you only do the stretching exercises, it is unlikely you are harming yourself. However, meditation (transcendental meditation) is often taught along with yoga. This is not acceptable for a Christian. This type of meditation involves Hindu worship and demonic influence, including inviting evil spirits (demons) to enter you. The word mantra has come into common use in today’s western society, but mantras or chants are part of Hindu worship.
In the West, we often refer to “New Age” thought, which is simply Eastern Mysticism in disguise. This complex thought system espouses the concept that God is everywhere, in everything, and we are all a part of and are becoming gods. Many beliefs regarding climate extremism are rooted in Eastern Mysticism or New Age thought. The mystic’s spiritual goal is to achieve unity and harmony with the world around him. He is to become nothing, and his individuality is lost. This directly counters the teachings of Christ, who died in our place to pay our sin debt, and our names are written on His hand. We are taught God cares for us as individuals and has a plan and purpose for our lives.
Reincarnation, another part of the Hindu belief system, teaches the soul can be reborn in a new person or animal. How a person is reborn — whether animal or human, whether poor or wealthy — is based on how that individual lived. In Hindu thought, the soul is not only eternal, but also a part of God. The concept of karma fits with this belief system; one deserves a station in life based on previous existence. By implication, I should not seek to intervene and help change a person’s circumstances; the condition is his or her own fault.
I am also convinced reincarnation is taught and believed so one may have a faint glimmer of hope: if a person has enough chances to live, he might gain salvation. Hindu salvation is the escape of the soul from the cycle of birth and rebirth to the state of nirvana. Hinduism teaches multiple paths to salvation: good works, self-denial, gifts to the temple, and devotion in Hindu worship.
I believe this Hindu tenet has helped foster the belief many paths are available to God, and whatever way you choose is acceptable. Many Hindus accept some Christian beliefs. They even agree Jesus was a good teacher or accept him as another god. However, they will not accept Jesus Christ is God and the only path to salvation.
Aryuvedic medicine, often called alternative medicine, has become quite popular in certain parts of the western world. This includes the use of herbal medications (with which I have no quarrel, if not used in a harmful way). However, chants and charms involving demonic forces are also entangled in the practice of aryuvedic medicine. Occultic powers are invoked to obtain healing.
My purpose in highlighting these tenets of Hindu theology is not to denigrate another system’s beliefs but to help us, as Christians, see the wonderful truths revealed to us in God’s Word, the Bible. God gave His Son, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice to pay the penalty for my sin. It is through my belief in His finished work God gives me the gift of salvation. He created me. He gave me life. He wants a relationship with me so I can live with Him forever. Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39).
This brief and superficial overview of how Hindu beliefs have infiltrated Western thought may raise questions for some of you. I can try and answer your questions if you wish to contact me.
About the Writer: Don Hanna, son of Carlisle and Marie Hanna, spent many years living and working in India — first as a missionary kid and then as a frequent visitor to encourage and minister to the needs of Christians living in a hostile environment. Don, as president of Friends of India, currently leads the Free Will Baptist work in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. He and his wife Milly have three children and four grandchildren. They live in Charleston, South Carolina, where Don continues his medical practice.
