ENGAGING WITH HINDUS:
Understanding their world – sharing good news.
By Robin Thomson
The Good Book Company. 119 pages. £6.99
ISBN 978 1 909 919 105
Robin Thomson has written this excellent book with the aim of equipping Christians to build trust and friendships that enable them to share the love of Christ with Hindus.
It is clear that Thomson has grasped the Hindu mind-set, culture and religion. His years of experience living and working as a Bible teacher in India have given him valuable insights which he uses to provide practical and yet sensitive advice on reaching Hindus with the gospel.
The book is divided into two sections. The first, ‘Understanding Hindus’, covers questions relating to Hindu belief and practice. It also contains a helpful chapter on ‘What do Hindus think about Christians and Christianity?’
Importance of love
In the second section, there are practical suggestions on engaging with Hindus. It stresses the importance of love – ‘This is not a strategy or a means to an end. Love is the end.’ The chapters ‘Listen and Learn’ and ‘How to Present Christ Positively’ encourage the reader to find common ground and concepts that will make it easier for Hindus to understand the gospel. It also thoughtfully addresses key points – such as ‘Why did Jesus say I am the only way?’ – in the chapter ‘Understanding Hindu Questions’.
Multiple cultures?
The book ends with ideas that churches could adopt to engage with Hindus. Church leaders will find it useful as they consider ways to reach and welcome Hindus into their congregations. Although mention is made of Hindus living in multiple cultures, it would have been helpful to expand on this for the context of witnessing. Many second and third generation ‘Western’ Hindus struggle with this issue.
Anyone who has Hindu friends, neighbours or work colleagues and desires to share the good news with them should buy this easy-to-read book.
