What to Know When Discipling a Hindu Background Believer

Every Christian is a disciple of Jesus Christ, and discipleship is a lifelong process of becoming more like him. That’s true no matter what a believer’s background. But it’s also helpful to consider a person’s religious background when discipling a new Christian.

When discipling Hindu background believers, here are five things to keep in mind to best help them in their spiritual journey with Jesus.

Proclaim the Gospel into a Shame/Honour Culture

Eastern cultures and religions are primarily shame/honour cultures, and a Hindu background believer is likely accustomed to carrying shame for their past sins and even shame for following Jesus and letting down their family and society. It is vital to constantly remind them that Christ died not only to take away the guilt of sin but also the shame of sin. 

Seek to encourage a Hindu background believer by reminding them often of the crucified Saviour who, in his humiliation, is honoured by God by being raised from the grave to be seated on the right hand of the Father in heaven. 

It is also often difficult for Hindu background believers to openly confess their sins. There is always a tendency to hide and withdraw behind a veneer of religiosity rather than lose face. However, they must be encouraged that God, who sees all, delights in truth and the confession of his children (Psalm 51:3–6)

Teach a Theology of Suffering

Hinduism as a religion tends to be escapist in nature and does not provide a theology of suffering. For most Hindus, their religion is primarily utilitarian—serving a functional purpose to procure health, wealth, and happiness in life. 

That’s why the prosperity gospel has a particular attraction for many new believers from these backgrounds. Jesus is seen as an answer to a rosy life. However, a Hindu background believer must be discipled with a robust biblical theology of suffering.

Many times, Hindu background believers suffer loss of friends, family, and property. It is important that these are understood as the cost of discipleship. Christ’s call to deny oneself and take up his cross and follow him is a radical call (Matthew 16:24). This is the only way to ensure a believer perseveres in the faith through persecution and life’s various problems.

Dismantle the Caste System

The caste system, which is a discriminatory social structure, is an essential part of Hinduism. Many new believers from Hindu backgrounds are surprised to learn that it is a sin, and they continue to hold onto their caste identities and beliefs. The truth that all men and women are made equal in the image of God with dignity must be taught, and they must be encouraged to renounce the caste system. 

It is tragic that many Christians and churches in India continue to practice the caste system due to a failure to properly apply the gospel to all of life. The Hindu background believer must be encouraged that the ground is level at the foot of the cross and that all men and women approach God not based on their caste but as sinners who receive the grace of God in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:8).

Dispel superstitious fear of evil

Many Hindus live in fear that their failure to serve their gods properly will result in punishment. They also have a superstitious fear of evil. That’s why many wear magical amulets and bracelets seeking to ward off evil. The gospel liberates one from such fears.

A Hindu background believer would require constant reminders that they do not need to fear God’s wrath, for Christ Jesus has been punished in their stead (Romans 8:1; 1 Peter 2:4) and that they are perfectly accepted as God’s children (Romans 8:15–17). 

Likewise, by the cross, God has disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Christ Jesus to deliver us from the present evil age (Colossians 2:15; Galatians 1:4). This means that Satan is overcome and there is no cause for the believer to fear the devil and his evil.

Be patient

Discipleship is a lifelong process, and sanctification does not happen overnight. It is essential to be patient in the process of discipleship. God works according to his own schedule in each one of us, so don’t be discouraged by a lack of immediate fruit. You never know how the Holy Spirit is at work in a person. 

Continue to pray for the individual and invest in their lives by constantly speaking the Word of God, which brings transformation. Rejoice in the small progress, being confident that he who began the good work will see it to completion on the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).