History of Hinduism
Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religious traditions, emerging from the Indian subcontinent more than 3,000 years ago. Unlike Christianity, which has a clear founder in Jesus Christ, Hinduism has no single human originator. Its foundations lie in the Vedic tradition, derived from the Vedas, ancient Sanskrit texts that date back to at least 1500 B.C.
Over centuries, Hinduism developed through a fusion of various cultural, spiritual, and philosophical traditions—especially those of the Aryans and indigenous Indian tribes. Key texts include not only the Vedas, but also the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata. These texts do not represent a single cohesive theology but rather a diversity of beliefs unified under a broad umbrella.
Major historical turning points include the rise of devotional movements (bhakti), the influence of Advaita Vedanta (a non-dualistic philosophy), and the integration of Hinduism with Indian nationalism under leaders like Swami Vivekananda. Post-colonial India has also seen Hinduism reshaped as both a spiritual path and a cultural identity, especially with the emergence of the Hindutva political movement.
Principles and Foundational Assumptions
Hinduism teaches that Brahman is the ultimate, impersonal reality, and that all individual souls (atman) are expressions of this divine essence. There is no absolute distinction between creator and creation. Multiple deities—such as Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi—are worshiped as manifestations of this ultimate reality. Jesus Christ, when acknowledged, is often seen as one of many avatars or holy men, not the exclusive Son of God.
Human beings, according to Hinduism, are trapped in a cycle of rebirth (samsara) governed by karma—where one’s actions determine one’s future lives. Salvation (moksha) involves liberation from this cycle and union with Brahman, typically through spiritual disciplines like yoga, meditation, devotion, or knowledge.
By contrast, biblical Christianity teaches:
- God is personal, holy, and distinct from creation.
- Jesus Christ is God incarnate, the only Savior.
- Man is made in God’s image but is fallen in sin.
- Salvation is by grace through faith, not by human effort.
- Truth is revealed in Scripture, not discovered inwardly or mystically.
Hinduism’s assumption of moral relativism and self-divinization sharply opposes Christianity’s ethical objectivity and Christ-centered redemption.
Modern Influencers and Institutions
Prominent Hindu teachers and organizations continue to shape the global religious landscape. Figures such as Sadhguru (Jaggi Vasudev), Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and Swami Mukundananda have broad international followings. Institutions like the Art of Living Foundation, Isha Foundation, and ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) promote Hindu spirituality through yoga, meditation, and devotion.
In the digital age, Hinduism thrives on platforms like YouTube, where channels such as Sadhguru’s official channel, Bhakti Marga, and Hindu Academy disseminate teachings on everything from spiritual enlightenment to political commentary.
In Western culture, Hindu philosophy often enters through New Age movements, yoga studios, and pop culture, reframing Eastern mysticism as harmless self-help while obscuring its religious roots.
Psychological and Cultural Appeal
Hinduism appeals to modern individuals seeking personal empowerment, spiritual experience, and religious pluralism. Its non-dogmatic nature—offering multiple paths to the divine—feels tolerant and inclusive to a postmodern mind. Practices like yoga, mindfulness, and reincarnation beliefs promise inner peace, justice through karma, and the possibility of eternal progression.
In contrast, biblical Christianity insists on truth over experience, grace over karma, and a personal relationship with a holy God, not absorption into an impersonal force. While Hinduism flatters human autonomy, Christianity humbles the sinner and exalts the Savior. The gospel offers not escape from suffering but redemption through Christ’s suffering.
Practical Outcomes and Cultural Fruits
Hinduism has influenced India’s cultural identity with elements such as vegetarianism, family cohesion, respect for elders, and spiritual devotion. However, these positive traits are often counterbalanced by troubling features:
- The caste system, rooted in Hindu texts, entrenched social inequality for centuries.
- Idolatry and superstition are pervasive, with millions of household gods.
- Spiritual relativism undermines absolute moral truth.
Biblical Christianity, by contrast, has historically promoted the sanctity of life, equality before God, the rule of law, and charity toward the poor. Where Christianity takes root, human dignity and justice typically follow—not perfect societies, but redeemed ones. Hinduism’s cyclical view of history and salvation by self-effort contrast sharply with Christianity’s linear, redemptive hope centered on Christ.
Criticisms That Biblical Christianity Poses to Hinduism
Christianity offers clear theological and philosophical critiques of Hinduism:
- Logical inconsistency: Brahman is said to be beyond all attributes, yet is worshiped in personal forms.
- Moral contradiction: Karma offers no forgiveness—only retribution, making grace obsolete.
- Historical falsification: Hinduism views Jesus as an avatar, rejecting His exclusive claims (John 14:6).
- Spiritual deception: Scripture denounces idolatry and pantheism as demonic (1 Cor. 10:20; Rom. 1:25).
Christian apologists like Ravi Zacharias (a former Hindu), Francis Schaeffer, and Vishal Mangalwadi have addressed Hinduism’s shortcomings with reason, compassion, and the authority of Scripture.
Criticisms That Hinduism Offers to Biblical Christianity
From the Hindu perspective, biblical Christianity is often criticized as:
- Too exclusive: Rejecting other paths as false is seen as intolerant.
- Materialistic and dualistic: Hindus often claim Christianity separates spirit and matter too harshly.
- Lacking mystical depth: Christianity is viewed as shallow compared to Hindu meditative experience.
- Imprisoned by a closed canon: Hindus see the Bible’s finality as stifling to ongoing divine revelation.
These critiques reflect radically different assumptions about truth, authority, and salvation.
Christian Counter-Responses
Christian theology responds with clarity and conviction:
- Truth is exclusive by nature (John 14:6); not all roads lead to God.
- Creation is good but distinct from God (Gen. 1:31), not illusory or divine.
- Mystical experiences can be deceptive; Scripture is the ultimate standard (2 Tim. 3:16–17).
- Progressive revelation ended with Christ (Heb. 1:1–2); claims of continued revelation invite spiritual error.
The Christian worldview is internally coherent, historically rooted, and ethically robust. Most importantly, it offers grace—something Hinduism fundamentally lacks. While karma demands payment, Christ paid the penalty once for all (Heb. 10:10).
Chart of Fundamental Differences
| Topic | Hinduism | Biblical Christianity |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Reality | Impersonal Brahman | Personal, Triune God |
| View of Jesus | One of many avatars | Son of God, Lord and Savior |
| View of Man | Divine in essence (atman = Brahman) | Created in God’s image, fallen |
| Salvation | Liberation through self-effort | Redemption by grace through faith |
| Authority | Multiple ancient texts | The Holy Bible (66 books) |
| Sin | Ignorance of one’s divinity | Rebellion against God |
| Afterlife | Reincarnation and eventual moksha | Resurrection to eternal life or judgment |
| Ethics | Karma and dharma | God’s moral law, fulfilled in Christ |
| Truth Source | Intuition, gurus, sacred texts | Special revelation: the Bible |
| Destiny | Merging with Brahman | Eternal life with or without God |
Spiritual Nature of the Conflict
This is not merely an academic dispute. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is spiritual—“against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” The contrast between Hinduism and Christianity is not just theological, but a battle between truth and deception, light and darkness, grace and works.
Christians must engage this conflict prayerfully. Hearts are blinded (2 Cor. 4:4), and only the Holy Spirit can open eyes to the truth of Christ.
Why Contemporary Christians Must Be Equipped
In a globalized and religiously pluralistic age, believers must understand the spiritual systems that shape their neighbors and the culture. Hinduism is not a distant philosophy but a growing influence in media, wellness culture, and public discourse.
Christians must be theologically grounded, culturally informed, and spiritually alert. This includes knowing the Bible, being able to explain the gospel clearly, and confronting deception lovingly but boldly.
Recommended apologists and resources:
- Vishal Mangalwadi, The Book That Made Your World
- Francis Schaeffer, The God Who Is There
Robert Sparkman
rob@christiannewsjunkie.com
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