What do Hindus believe? What is Hinduism?

TL;DR:

Hinduism, the world’s third largest religion, is a diverse system of beliefs originating in ancient India. It teaches reincarnation, multiple gods, and spiritual unity but lacks a personal God or clear plan of salvation. Hinduism fundamentally opposes biblical Christianity, which proclaims one God, salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and the uniqueness of every individual created in God’s image.

what does the bible say?

The Bible presents a worldview that starkly contrasts with Hinduism’s beliefs. Scripture reveals one personal and knowable God, distinct from His creation (Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 45:5-6). Humanity is uniquely created in God’s image, not as an illusion or a manifestation of a universal spirit (Genesis 1:27). Sin is rebellion against a holy God, and salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through cycles of reincarnation or self-realization (Ephesians 2:8-9). Unlike Hinduism’s teachings of maya (illusion) and samsara (the cycle of reincarnation), the Bible affirms the reality of creation, the value of history, and the eternal destinies of heaven or hell based on faith in Christ (Hebrews 9:27; John 3:16-18). Jesus is not merely a man who realized His divine nature but the incarnate Son of God who lived, died, and rose again to redeem humanity (Colossians 1:15-20).

from the old testament

Genesis 1:1 affirms God is real and self-existent, and it teaches creation as a real, intentional act by God, opposing Hinduism’s view of creation as an illusion.
Isaiah 45:5-6: "I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides me there is no God." This verse supports monotheism, contradicting Hinduism’s belief in millions of gods.
Hinduism’s cyclic view of time contrasts with the Bible’s linear view, which ends in judgment and eternity. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 says: "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment."

from the new testament

In John 14:6, Jesus said, “'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" Jesus’ exclusive claim to be the way to God opposes Hinduism’s pluralistic paths to enlightenment.
Hebrews 9:27 says: "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment." This verse denies reincarnation and teaches a single life followed by judgment.
Jesus is the Creator and sustainer of all things, a teaching that directly opposes Hinduism’s depersonalized concept of Brahman (Colossians 1:16-17).
Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works or self-effort, contrary to Hinduism’s teachings on moksha (Ephesians 2:8-9).

implications for today

Hinduism offers a system of spirituality centered on self-effort and reincarnation, but it denies the reality of sin, the need for a Savior, and the existence of a personal God. Additionally, Hinduism's belief in many gods stands in stark contrast to the Bible’s teaching of one sovereign Creator, further highlighting the incompatibility between Hinduism and biblical Christianity. Although Hindus are open to including Jesus among their many deities, this view diminishes His unique role as the one true Savior and Son of God. Biblical Christianity affirms that Jesus is the only way to eternal life, not one of many paths (John 14:6). These core differences make Hinduism incompatible with biblical Christianity. Christians are called to share the gospel with Hindus, pointing them to Jesus Christ as the only way to God and the ultimate solution to humanity’s deepest need—reconciliation with the Creator. Understanding Hindu beliefs provides a foundation for meaningful dialogue in which believers can emphasize the uniqueness of Christ and the free gift of salvation offered through His death and resurrection (John 3:16; Romans 10:9).

understand

Hinduism’s teachings on reincarnation, multiple gods, and spiritual unity without a personal God or clear salvation are against biblical teachings.
The Bible proclaims one God, salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and humanity’s uniqueness in God’s image.
Hinduism’s beliefs conflict with biblical Christianity on God, salvation, and human identity.

reflect

How does understanding that God is personal and knowable deepen your relationship with Him?
What assurance do you find in knowing salvation is a gift of grace through faith, rather than something earned through effort?
How does the Bible’s teaching on eternal destinies influence the way you view your life today?

engage

How can we engage in meaningful conversations with Hindus while pointing them to the biblical truth of one God?
How does the belief in a personal Creator differ from the Hindu concept of impersonal spiritual forces?
How can we effectively explain the uniqueness of Jesus as the only way to God in a culture that values pluralism?