Hinduism is the third largest and one of the oldest religions in the world. Learn more about Hinduism and how to talk to Hindu friends about Jesus.
Fast Facts
Population: 1.2 billion (14.9% of global population)
Growth Rate: The population is expected to increase by 27% by 2060.
Year Founded: Around 1500 B.C.
Founder: Unknown
Holy Texts: Vedas, Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, Puranas, and Ramayana and Mahabharata
Major Branches: Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and Smartism
View of Jesus: An incarnation of Vishnu
Where They Live
Though Hinduism is the world’s third largest religion, nearly 95% of all Hindus (more than 1 billion) live in India. Nepal has the second highest number of Hindus (2%), followed by Bangladesh (1.1%) and Pakistan, though Pakistan has less than 1% (5 million) of the world’s Hindu population.
Major Beliefs
Hinduism is not a single unified religion with a specific founder or central text but rather a family of diverse traditions that emerged in South Asia over thousands of years. Most Hindus are henotheistic, meaning they worship one deity, known as Brahman, while recognizing other minor deities. Brahman is considered the supreme being, and as many as 330 million other gods and goddesses are recognized in Hinduism.
Central Hindu beliefs include karma (the moral law of cause and effect), dharma (duty and moral order), and reincarnation (rebirth of the soul). Hindus strive for salvation or liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth by living a life of purity, self-discipline, and devotion. This pursuit often involves guidance from a guru, a spiritual teacher who leads the disciple from ignorance to light. For many, daily decisions—from diet and clothing to friendships—are weighed for their spiritual impact.
Many associate Hinduism with a caste system, though India made discrimination based on caste illegal when it became an independent nation. The caste system is a social hierarchy that separates Hindus based on a person’s karma and dharma. The four main castes are:
- Brahmin: intellectual and spiritual leaders
- Kshatriyas: soldiers and warriors
- Vaisyas: merchants, farmers, etc.
- Shudras: unskilled laborers
The lowest castes include the dalits, also called “untouchables,” those with the most undesirable occupations and who live on the margins of society. Today, the caste system is loosely followed, though some traditions, such as marrying within a certain caste, are still embraced.
Conversations Bridges
Many Hindus may reject evangelism efforts because of Christianity’s past colonization efforts. Therefore, it’s important to approach spiritual conversations with gentleness, respect, and understanding.
Hindus seek liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth and are looking for a guru to lead them to the light. When Hindu friends are open to talking about spiritual matters, consider asking them how they think they can achieve moksha and when they know they have found their guru. Try to understand their personal and spiritual stories first.
Then ask if you can share how you found your way to salvation. Share Scriptures that contain vocabulary Hindus can relate to, such as Jesus being the light of the world (John 8:12) and the way—the only way—to salvation (John 14:6). Hindus also value morality, so share why you believe no one can be perfectly moral.
Sharing your personal testimony is another powerful way to show how Jesus transforms lives.
Read this story of how a Hindu woman came to know Christ.
As you engage in conversations with Hindus, pray that Hindus come to know and worship the one true God.
A Field Guide to Major World Religions
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are not ashamed of the gospel and its power. Yet we sometimes still find ourselves unsure of how to share our faith as we go about daily lives, especially with people of different religions and worldviews. This guide includes a summary of beliefs from the major world religions, stories of lives changed by Jesus, prayers, and tips for sharing the gospel to help you engage missionally with people from various faith backgrounds. Download your free copy today!
