Expert: Carl Fuglein - 4/26/2008

Question
I am 15 years old.I am a Christian. I volunteer at a zoo in an environment with lots of adults. The other day I heard them saying "oh praise Shiva". I the same way someone would say "praise the lord!" As if in almost a jokingly way. Then later I heard someone say well who every rules this world weather Shiva or someone else......


I'm confused about Shiva and how many American worship him. What can you tell me about this religion, and how I can witness to these adults with out forcing anything on them?

Answer
Dear MFA

Shiva is a principal god in Hinduism.  You can find out more at Wikipedia.com:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva
and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism


About 1,000,000 people in the US practice Hinduism, less than 1/2 a percent.  See http://www.adherents.com/rel_USA.html#religions



Witnessing to folks that believe in a different religion is not an easy thing to do, especially for you as a teenager talking to adults.  The most important thing to remember about witnessing to anyone, no matter whether they belive in Shiva, or are atheist and believe in nothing, is respect, respect, respect.  Jesus treated everyone with respect, and expects you to, as well.

If you are really interested in witnessing to those of other faiths, the first step is to respectfully ask them about THEIR religion.  Tell them you're interested in learning more about other religions and cultures.  And as they tell you what THEY believe, you can tell them what YOU believe.  Don't be surprised if they know a lot, and also don't be surprised if they have some information wrong.  After you have exchanged points of view, ask them if they have any more questions about Christianity, and answer them to the best of your ability.  If you can't answer them, then go see your pastor and get the answer.  Above all, be respectful, share your faith, and leave it at that - your job is to plant seeds, period.  Don't expect them to convert on the spot.  In fact, don't even expect them necessarily to listen to you, however, MOST people, not all, will be happy to talk about their religion, so let them.  Listen, then share your story.  That's all God expects of you.  He'll do the rest.

You may also want to broach this subject with your pastor or youth minister.

Thanks for wanting to share your faith.

Write again sometime after you've tried this, and let me know how it went.

blessings,
carl