Expert: Scott Talbot - 5/8/2008

Question
QUESTION: Does the bible mention Hinduism or Buddhism at all? If so, what does it say about them? If not, why might it not?

ANSWER: Hi John,

It's nice to hear from you.

You asked whether or not the Bible mentions Hindu or Buddhism. It doesn't mention them specifically, but it refers to them and all other religions.

Hindu and Buddhism are false, counterfeit religions. They are man-made creations, ways to come to "god" on man's terms, ... man's way to feel "religious."

However, God will not tolerate any of these false religions. It's an offense to His holiness, and an empty promise to the one who embraces it.

In Exodus 34:14, God says, "Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." (There actually aren't any other gods. They exist only in the imagination of men.)

Also, in Isaiah 45:5, He says, "I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God."

Jesus says, in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Contrary to what some believe, all roads do NOT lead to God. Consider John 4:23-24: "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Either we are following the one true God, or we have replaced Him with a counterfeit.

I hope this helps. Feel free to write back if you would like to discuss further.

Scott


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: You say it is a sin to worship any other god, because they are false - but what about those schools of Buddhism which do not actually worship Buddha? Some Buddhists for example, believe that you can simply look at Buddha as a wise teacher, and still maintain your own faith. Do you think this is okay for a Christian?

Answer
Buddhism is a false religion ... a counterfeit, like all others. Examine their teachings. There is no room for any other religion or any other god.

Like all religions, Buddhism may have some element of truth in it. Sort out the truth from the deception. Compare it to God's Word. Stick with the Truth.

Scott