Zacharias ultimately uses the contrasting of the two faiths to clearly illuminate the heart of the Gospel message: that Christianity is not a religion, not following a set of rules or trying to reach God on our own terms, but a real relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I was so thankful for Zacharias’ depiction of this often overlooked truth (even by Christian authors, who bandy the term religion about far too freely) that it brought tears to my eyes as he reminded me of Jesus’ never-ending love and compassion for us.
Following this moving revelation, the author moves on to a conclusion that left me confused at best. Using an analogy that was unclear, and not previously anchored to existing references in the text, he left me completely in the dark with what he was trying to communicate in his wrap-up. If you have read this title and understood his concluding analogy, please let me know! My husband is also in the dark on this one. This short, insightful title deserved a more decisive ending that could be clearly comprehended by all.
Comparing two faiths is delicate work, and putting words into the mouths of two characters as revered in their respective followings as Jesus and Krishna is a daunting task indeed. Zacharias manages to present his case clearly without coming across as condescending and mocking of those holding disparate beliefs. He successfully expresses the Christian message while still treating the Hindu religion with respect.
I believe that Zacharias’ depiction of Jesus is fairly true to scripture. He manages to include scriptural truths throughout this fictional Jesus’ words without quoting directly, leading to a naturally flowing conversation throughout New Birth or Rebirth. The author has taken a risk in the Christian marketplace. Some readers are certain to be rubbed the wrong way by the very idea of a fictional conversation between Jesus, a real figure, and Krishna, a mythological one. However, I feel that Zacharias -- while using Hinduism as a foil -- succeeds in accurately depicting the heart of Jesus, for all people to be made free of the law of sin and death.
Article comments
1 - Jordan Richardson
Each title features a fictional conversation between Jesus and an influential faith figure, philosopher, or contributor to human thought on the nature of life, God, and salvation.
With the exception of Jesus Talks With Hitler, I'm assuming...
2 - Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family
Well, I think that Hitler was a contributor to human thought on the nature of life and God. He has certainly profoundly influenced many with his beliefs. Think Neo-Nazi's here.
The conversations are all fictional - not necessarily the characters Jesus engages.
3 - Eternal Truth
I hope he is not trying to prove superiority of christianity over hinduism as lot of missionaries do.
4 - Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family
I don't think it's a matter of trying to prove the superiority of Christianity. Zacharias is a Christian who believes and knows that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, and that no man comes to God unless it is through Him.
Zacharias does not come across as trying to put Hinduism down. He illustrates this vital truth through a comparison to the Hindu faith by using a fictional conversation with Krishna.
5 - David Hughes
Jesus went to India between ages 13 and 30 to learn Krishna-neeti (Christianity) from sages. Click on my site URL to learn more about the truth. My other website is innercircleofchrist.com. HTH~!
6 - Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family
Hi David,
Thanks for taking the time to comment here. Did you realize that Jesus didn't use the term Christianity, nor did Christian themselves develop the label? It was applied to them by others who met them and observed their walk in faith with Christ. The word Christ isn't a derivative of Krishna it comes from the Greek Χριστός (Khristós) meaning "the anointed", this word is equivalent to the Hebrew term, Messiah, referring to God's chosen one.
Ultimately, Christianity is not a religious system that can be taught. It does not consist of rules and regulations that can be followed in order to be a member. Rather it is founded upon a real relationship with the living God through His son Jesus/Yeshua. I realize that this is difficult to understand, because I was lost and without Jesus in my life until only a couple of years ago. I firmly believed that Christianity was a set of beliefs that people chose to follow - a religion. Only after personally experiencing Jesus for myself have I even started to understand the majesty of what God has done for us through His only begotten Son.
Take care, and keep seeking. You'll be in my prayers.