Evangelical Approaches to Hindus

Abstract

Five evangelical approaches to Hindus are defined and analyzed. Most popular is a simple gospel approach that is generally unconcerned about wrestling with issues of context. A similar problem is seen in Pentecostal power approaches. Christ as the fulfillment of Hindu scripture is a third approach; impressive concern to respect and interact with Hindu traditions is marred by inadequate interpretations of Hindu scriptures. Worldview confrontation as a fourth approach artificially reads Hinduism as monistic and argues for theism. A fifth approach of holistic contextualization is commended and defined not merely in terms of cultural issues, but with a focus on the identity of individuals within their sociological communities.