Hindu
Dialogue with Other Religions
Following such syncretic views Hindus are apt to say that they also accept Christianity,
Islam and the other religions of the world. However the acceptance of spiritual knowledge
wherever it may come from-and it exists to some degree in all people-should not be
confused with accepting the dogmas of all religions. A Hindu, following an open spiritual tradition can honestly say that he or she
accepts whatever genuine spiritual knowledge may be found in Christianity, Islam, or
elsewhere, but this does not mean that such doctrines in these religions as are contrary
to the principles (dharmas) of Hinduism, like an eternal heaven and hell, the Bible or the
Koran as the only Word of God, Christ as the only son of God or Mohammed as the last
prophet are acceptable to Hindus. Otherwise Hindus will give those following these
religions the impression that such dogmas are true or that Hinduism sanctions them, when
it clearly does not.
For example, when some years ago I as a follower of Hindu based Yoga teachings once told a
neighbor, who followed a Christian fundamentalist belief, that I also accepted
Christianity, he told me then why don't I accept Jesus as my personal savior and the Bible
as the Word of God and stop doing such unchristian practices? |
