CHRISTIAN CONVERSION AGENDA

Training Students to Reach Hindus

by Evelyn Stephens

I have found that the students who are most effective with Hindus are the ones who are teachable and willing to put themselves in uncomfortable situations for the sake of the gospel. When working among Hindus, one needs to be particularly aware of the crosscultural dynamics. It is important to teach students to enter another culture with a learning posture and willingness to go the extra mile, so they can reach the heart of a person. This is especially important in reaching Hindus, since most are not interested in learning new cultures or becoming “Americanized.” They usually do not need as much help with English as some internationals and often have a strong group identity on a campus. This means it is crucial to enter into the Hindu student world, rather than trying to draw them out into programs and other communities.

Hindus sometimes see conversion as a change in community identity, rather than a belief distinction. Thus, invitations to “convert” to Christianity will likely not be accepted. Hinduism is complex because it is really a way of life and a family of religions, rather than one set of beliefs. Thus, even training students in basic Hindu theology is difficult, since the majority of Hindus on campus may not agree on one set of beliefs. Our aim is not the type of cultural conversion that the Hindu students fear. It is to share Jesus and allow him to draw people in and change them completely as they decide to make him the Lord of their life.

The best way to reach Hindus is to share Jesus and talk about personal faith and beliefs, asking about their personal beliefs rather than getting involved in theological debates. Often such debates center around issues that the Hindu does not even believe, but has been taught to defend, so it can be fruitless to argue against these ideas. The students who are most effective with Hindus are the ones who form authentic friendships, showing genuine love and care. These students are able to tell about their personal faith in Jesus and learn about the Hindu student’s beliefs as their friend. This often leads to fruitful conversations where the Christian can share who Jesus is, what he teaches about God and demonstrate what it means to give our lives to Jesus and receive life from him. This demonstration is more powerful to many Hindus than any well-constructed argument of doctrine.