British Pastor's Six Steps for Converting Hindus to Christ...

[Guest guest]

i, too was brought up in a christian family, and i agree with Agastya

completely.

JGD, Carolin

 

Dear friends,

What a silly mail has come to our list. How to convert Hindus to

christianity?

Let me tell you my experience with christianity and Hinduism.

First of all why should anyone try to convert another human being into

something?

Christians think Hinduism is a false religion and Hindus live in darkness.

What a statement.

I was born in a family of christian priests and missionaires.I studied the

bible and had a christian education.

Simultaneously I took interest in Hinduism and Buddhism.

My conclusion is that only a pure heart can get the understanding and

blessing of His or Her belief.

It really does not matter what path you choose, just be true and sincere.

The devil is in the confused minds of the people who try to convince others

about their belief.

Mostly people who do not stand firm in their own belief are the ones who

try to convert others.

They should investigate their intention. 99% of such missionaires want to

proof themselves and get strength for themselves.

Is their intention selfless and christian? Those christians who are really

in touch with the selfless luminous love of the christ, are not so easily

judging another religion.

In my own case Hinduism has taught me humility and christian principles. Not

through books but living examples of realised ones.

What counts is devotion and faith in the Lord.

I would suggest Mr. Juge Ram to study Vedanta and pray sincerely to the Lord

for understanding.

Too many innocent people had to suffer from the converters of religions.

Jai Guru Datta,

Agastya

 

 

 

 

baheusa <baheusa [baheusa]

Tuesday, December 17, 2002 7:16 AM

JAIGURUDATTA

British Pastor's Six Steps for Converting Hindus

to Christianity

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Agastya said: "...In my own case Hinduism has taught me humility and

christian principles. Not through books but living examples of realised ones.

What counts is devotion and faith in the Lord..."

 

 

 

As for the living examples of the realised ones:

as far as i know, Hinduism is the only religion which at present recognizes

and accepts Divine Incarnations.

 

 

I don´t know much about the Jews, do they recognize any Divine Incarnations?

 

The Buddhists, as far as i know, are waiting for a Divine Incarnation called

Maitreya Buddha, but expect Him only in the future, maybe centuries or even

thousands of years in the future, and apart from Maitreya, wouldn´t accept

anyone as Divine Incarnation.

 

The Moslems, again, apart from the Imam Mahdi, whom they expect to come some

day, but not very soon, wouldn´t easily accept anyone as Divine Incarnation,

apart from the the Sufis, who do recognize some Sufi saints.

 

The Catholics are not allowed to accept anyone as a saint even, to say

nothing of a Divine Incarnation, without the permission of the pope. And the

pope tends to accept people as saints, if at all, only after their death.

 

I don´t know much about the Protestants, but i think they don´t accept any

Divine Incarnations either.

 

So it is only logical for me that Divine Incarnations, at present, seem to

usually incarnate in the Hindu culture, where they are recognized and

accepted to be a Divine Gift from the Allmighty to mankind. (Datta means

"Gift" as far as i know)

 

Yet all Divine ones, including Buddha and Jesus, didn´t mean to separate

mankind through faith, but they meant to unite them.

 

>From Dattapeetham.com - Talks:

 

"Flowers are myriad - but Puja is one

Cows are many - but milk is the same

Languages are different - but the thought is one

Sounds are many - but the Rhythm is the same

Sadhanas are different - yet Mukti is one

Vedas are many - but Moksha is one

Nama Rupas are different - yet God is the same

Lights are myriad - yet Jyothi is the same

Gurus appear many - yet He is only one."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jai Guru Datta

Carolin

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

MadeleineHeiss

Tue, 17 Dec 2002 06:13:09 EST

baheusa, JAIGURUDATTA

Re: British Pastor's Six Steps for Converting Hindus

to Christ...

 

 

Agastya said: "...In my own case Hinduism has taught me humility and

christian principles. Not through books but living examples of realised

ones.

What counts is devotion and faith in the Lord..."

 

 

 

As for the living examples of the realised ones:

as far as i know, Hinduism is the only religion which at present recognizes

and accepts Divine Incarnations.

 

 

I don´t know much about the Jews, do they recognize any Divine Incarnations?

Yes, they do, you can read that in the Jewish Thorah, like Moshe(Mozes) or

many others, also the Jews are waiting for their Messiah......

They accept the incarnations in the form of a prophet send by the Almighty

God.

 

The Buddhists, as far as i know, are waiting for a Divine Incarnation called

Maitreya Buddha, but expect Him only in the future, maybe centuries or even

thousands of years in the future, and apart from Maitreya, wouldn´t accept

anyone as Divine Incarnation.

 

The Moslems, again, apart from the Imam Mahdi, whom they expect to come some

day, but not very soon, wouldn´t easily accept anyone as Divine Incarnation,

apart from the the Sufis, who do recognize some Sufi saints.

They are also waiting for the coming of their Messiah or new prophet.

They also accepted Jesus as Gods prophet but not as Son of God or Messiah.

Ibrahim (Abraham) and Mohammed as prophets from God.

 

 

The Catholics are not allowed to accept anyone as a saint even, to say

nothing of a Divine Incarnation, without the permission of the pope. And the

pope tends to accept people as saints, if at all, only after their death.

Only Jesus as incarnation of God Himself as Messiah and his mother Mary

as Divine Mother of God.

 

I don´t know much about the Protestants, but i think they don´t accept any

Divine Incarnations either. Only Jesus till now as Messiah and Son of God.

His mother Mary is not seen as divine mother.

They do accept prophets from God, but no lady-prophets, the Jews do have

also lady-prophets (you can find that in the Thorah).

 

So it is only logical for me that Divine Incarnations, at present, seem to

usually incarnate in the Hindu culture, where they are recognized and

accepted to be a Divine Gift from the Allmighty to mankind. (Datta means

"Gift" as far as i know)

 

There are many divine incarnations who came down to earth in all kinds

of religion, but most of the people are not able to recognize them for many

reasons.

Some saints are working very silently on earth, it is for many saints or

angels

not important to choose a religion to do their work for God.

 

One interesting thing is there: All people are waiting for a messiah,

who release them from suffering!

 

The Hindu people are waiting for Kalki, an incarnation of Vishnu,

 

Yet all Divine ones, including Buddha and Jesus, didn´t mean to separate

mankind through faith, but they meant to unite them.

 

>From Dattapeetham.com - Talks:

 

"Flowers are myriad - but Puja is one

Cows are many - but milk is the same

Languages are different - but the thought is one

Sounds are many - but the Rhythm is the same

Sadhanas are different - yet Mukti is one

Vedas are many - but Moksha is one

Nama Rupas are different - yet God is the same

Lights are myriad - yet Jyothi is the same

Gurus appear many - yet He is only one."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jai Guru Datta

Carolin

 

 

 

 

 

Latest News and Additions http://www.dattapeetham.com/additions/new.html

 

Upcomming events at Datta Temple and Hall of Trinity, Baton Rouge, LA

http://www.dattatemple.com/uevents.htm

 

Post message: JAIGURUDATTA

Subscribe: JAIGURUDATTA-

Un: JAIGURUDATTA

 

Your use of is subject to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

As for the living examples of the realised ones:

as far as i know, Hinduism is the only religion which at present recognizes

and accepts Divine Incarnations.

 

 

I don´t know much about the Jews, do they recognize any Divine Incarnations?

 

 

Yes, they do, you can read that in the Jewish Thorah, like Moshe(Mozes) or

many others, also the Jews are waiting for their Messiah......

They accept the incarnations in the form of a prophet send by the Almighty

God.

 

The Buddhists, as far as i know, are waiting for a Divine Incarnation called

Maitreya Buddha, but expect Him only in the future, maybe centuries or even

thousands of years in the future, and apart from Maitreya, wouldn´t accept

anyone as Divine Incarnation.

 

The Moslems, again, apart from the Imam Mahdi, whom they expect to come some

day, but not very soon, wouldn´t easily accept anyone as Divine Incarnation,

apart from the the Sufis, who do recognize some Sufi saints.

 

 

They are also waiting for the coming of their Messiah or new prophet.

They also accepted Jesus as Gods prophet but not as Son of God or Messiah.

Ibrahim (Abraham) and Mohammed as prophets from God.

 

 

The Catholics are not allowed to accept anyone as a saint even, to say

nothing of a Divine Incarnation, without the permission of the pope. And the

pope tends to accept people as saints, if at all, only after their death.

 

Only Jesus as incarnation of God Himself as Messiah and his mother Mary

as Divine Mother of God.

 

I don´t know much about the Protestants, but i think they don´t accept any

Divine Incarnations either.

 

 

Only Jesus till now as Messiah and Son of God.

His mother Mary is not seen as divine mother.

They do accept prophets from God, but no lady-prophets, the Jews do have

also lady-prophets (you can find that in the Thorah).

 

So it is only logical for me that Divine Incarnations, at present, seem to

usually incarnate in the Hindu culture, where they are recognized and

accepted to be a Divine Gift from the Allmighty to mankind. (Datta means

"Gift" as far as i know)

 

There are many divine incarnations who came down to earth in all kinds

of religion, but most of the people are not able to recognize them for many

reasons.

Some saints are working very silently on earth, it is for many saints or

angels

not important to choose a religion to do their work for God.

 

One interesting thing is there: All people are waiting for a messiah,

who release them from suffering!

 

The Hindu people are waiting for Kalki, an incarnation of Vishnu,

 

Yet all Divine ones, including Buddha and Jesus, didn´t mean to separate

mankind through faith, but they meant to unite them.

 

>From Dattapeetham.com - Talks:

 

"Flowers are myriad - but Puja is one

Cows are many - but milk is the same

Languages are different - but the thought is one

Sounds are many - but the Rhythm is the same

Sadhanas are different - yet Mukti is one

Vedas are many - but Moksha is one

Nama Rupas are different - yet God is the same

Lights are myriad - yet Jyothi is the same

Gurus appear many - yet He is only one."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jai Guru Datta

Carolin

 

 

 

 

 

Latest News and Additions http://www.dattapeetham.com/additions/new.html

 

Upcomming events at Datta Temple and Hall of Trinity, Baton Rouge, LA

http://www.dattatemple.com/uevents.htm

 

Post message: JAIGURUDATTA

Subscribe: JAIGURUDATTA-

Un: JAIGURUDATTA

 

Your use of is subject to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latest News and Additions http://www.dattapeetham.com/additions/new.html

 

Upcomming events at Datta Temple and Hall of Trinity, Baton Rouge, LA

http://www.dattatemple.com/uevents.htm

 

Post message: JAIGURUDATTA

Subscribe: JAIGURUDATTA-

Un: JAIGURUDATTA

 

Your use of is subject to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Jaya Guru Datta,

 

> "...Amazing to see what ignorance has prevailed throughout the

> world as a result of man's interpretations of the Divine's

> incarnations...."

 

 

if you like, see also: http://www.hinduism.co.za/buddhism.htm

about misconceptions of Buddha as an agnostic, or of Vedanta, as being

agnostic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Thank you for all your information. I would, however, for the future, ask you

to put the original message parts into quotation marks, as the listserv

doesn´t support different colours.

Jai Guru Datta