Overall the evening was disturbing and hopeless, literally. The presentation was laced with poor assumptions, logical error and inconsistency. However, I think the most disturbing aspect was when the woman presenting misquoted Jesus. I couldn’t believe it! It was shocking to hear her try and posit that Jesus actually believed in karma.

Unfortunately, at the end of the presentation, the woman was not willing to take any public questions, but we were all offered cookies and blueberry tea!

What should be the appropriate Christian perspective on this religion of the East that is making such an impact in the West? At the outset we must say that as Christians we concur with Hindus on a couple of points. Hindus are correct in their recognition that all is not right with the world and with human existence in it. They are correct as well in suggesting that the ultimate remedy to the human dilemma is spiritual in nature. Beyond these two points, however, there’s little common ground between Hinduism and Christianity. Let’s note just a few of the more important areas of divergence.

First, Hinduism lacks any understanding that God created this world for a good purpose. It is common for Hindus to speak of God bringing the universe into existence simply as a “playful” exercise of His power. Also lacking is a conception of God as infinitely holy and righteous and as the One to whom we as His creatures are accountable for the way we conduct our lives.

The second major area of contrast between Hinduism and Christianity is the conception of human nature and of the source of our estrangement from God. According to Hindu teaching, man is divine at the core of his being. He is one with God! The problem is that man is ignorant of this fact. He is deceived by his focus on this temporal and material world, and this ignorance gives rise to acts that result in bad karma and traps us in the cycle of reincarnation.

According to the biblical teaching, however, the source of our alienation from God (and ultimately of all that is imperfect in this world), is not ignorance of our divinity, but our sinful rebellion against God and His purpose for our lives.

This leads to the third and final point of contrast–the way of salvation. According to most Hindu teaching, salvation from the cycle of reincarnation is achieved by our own efforts–whether through good works, meditation, or devotion to a deity. According to the Bible, however, our spiritual need is for deliverance from God’s judgment on our sin and for restoration to a life under His direction and care. This salvation can be provided only by God’s gracious and undeserved action in our behalf.

It is true that in certain Hindu groups there is a similar emphasis on God’s grace (probably as a result of past Christian influence). But even here, there is a major distinction. The Hindu teaching about grace sees no need for an atonement for sin, but simply offers forgiveness without any satisfaction of the judgment on sin required by a holy God.

In contrast, the Christian gospel is this: God the Son became a man, died a sacrificial death on the cross, making real forgiveness of real sins against the real God possible to those who place complete trust in Christ. All who do so can experience true forgiveness, know God and His purpose for their lives, and have the certainty of eternal life with Him!

I was surprised at Strobel’s writing style – he is a very engaging storyteller and presents each topic with an assortment of interviews and personal insights. This has made the book very ‘readable’ – you can pick it up any time and read it in small chunks.

I was saddened at some of the content. For example, the story from John 7-8 of the woman caught in adultery. This has been held out as an almost iconic story, and now I have found out (although clearly labeled in the Bible text…strangely enough!) this may not be accurate. I am not suggesting this creates debate (as others do) around inerrancy, as it does not impact the core doctrine, but it is challeging nonetheless.

Last, I am completely satisfied that Strobel has provided the ‘best’ scholarship available on these issues. It’s troubling to know that there are many well-respected, well-educated individuals in some of the most prestigious schools around the world who are creating these Biblical atrocities. Surely it is the evil one’s influence…

I have since purchased a copy of the book for my Christian (albeit Skeptical) father, and will ask him to report on his comments on this blog when he is finished reading. God bless him for being so curious!

I would love to hear other feedback on the book…do you know of any good conversations being had on apologetics in Ottawa? Are you going to start any?

Stop by and see my latest post on “Faithfull or Faithfilled?”
http://lbolm.wordpress.com/2008/03/11/faithfull-or-faithfilled/

Love in Christ Jesus
Jake

I certainly agree there are many scriptural references that we can share with those that are struggling, and I pray that we each have the courage to share those messages of hope and love with others in our lives.

God will not harm us. Fear is of Satan and love is of God. Darkness is of Satan and light is of God. Our father in heaven is like a best friend. He listens to us and takes care of us. He gives us strength in times of need. I have been through some very difficult times at a young age and would not have made it where I am today without my faith in my father, God.