IGNORANCE IS NOT BLISS...“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do

this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously

against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

I Peter 3:15-16

Review: Hinduism & Buddhism Key Points?

Similarities?Differences?

–How would you approach them as Christians?

Sikhism

Origins...

Began with Guru Nanek (1469-1538)

‘There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim’

Took ‘missionary journeys’ spreading the religion

How it works...• "Realization of Truth is higher than all else. Higher still is truthful living" -

Nanak

• Believes in equality of humanity, rejects discrimination

• Monotheistic: god is shapeless, timeless, sightless

– omnipresent & infinite (before time only God & Hukam)

– seen through the heart (inward eye)

– can communicate with god through meditation (rigorous discipline)

The Gurus‘Just as the light of one lamp, which lights another and does not diminish.’

• Sanskrit word meaning teacher, guide or mentor

• Not a representation of god

• Built philosophy of Sikhism (1499-1708)

• Each Guru appointed a successor

• Gobid Singh (10) appointed Guru Granth Sahib as 11th and final successor

Salvation• Can only be obtained through repetition of Sabad (divine Name)

• Total exposure of one’s being to the Divine name

• 5 Stages: last being the Realm of Truth (final Union of Spirit w/God)

• To lead man to the goal of moksha, Sikhism follows a path of japa and hymns. Through chanting of the Holy Names, Sat Nam, the soul is cleansed of its impurity, the ego is conquered and the wandering mind is stilled. This leads to a superconscious stillness. From here one enters into the divine light and thus attains the state of divine bliss. Once this highest goal is attained, the devotee must devote his awareness to the good of others. The highest goal can be realized only by God's grace...

Guru Granth Sahib• The last and final Guru• Only Spiritual Authority• Literally treated as a

living being...

Goals• Moksha: release and union with God

–described as that of a lover with the beloved and resulting in self-transcendence, egolessness and enduring bliss. The Sikh is immersed in God, assimilated, identified with Him. It is the fulfillment of individuality in which man, freed of all limitations, becomes co-extensive and co-operant and co-present with God. In Sikhism, moksha means release into God's love. Man is not God, but is fulfilled in unitary, mystical consciousness with Him. God is the Personal Lord and Creator.

5 Symbols...-Comb: cleanliness

-Iron Bracelet: morality

-sword: bravery

-white dress: purity

-Uncut Hair and Beard: renunciation

The Christian Response– Idols– Concept of Grace– Attaining Grace– Ask lots of questions