Neutral Comparison of Sikhi and Christianity!

[SSDSSDSSD3]

Ok, so I have seen many badly written comparisons of Sikhi and Christianity and they are overtly biased one way or the other, so I'll try making this unbiased as possible.
Salvation through God's grace alone: Christian- "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--" Ephesians 2:8
Salvation through God's grace alone: Sikh-"is brought to ecstasy by the True Lord's Glance of Grace. That person does not have to go through the fire of the womb again. ||2||" Ang 19 Guru Granth Sahib
Hell: Christian-Rom. 1:18 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,"
Hell: Sikh-"Even so, if they have not embraced love for the Supreme Lord God, then they shall surely go to hell. ||5||" Ang 70 Guru Granth Sahib
Forgiveness of Sins, (both of these are long and must be looked at context)
Christian-Romans 3:23-26 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus."
Sikh-"When you are under the power of sexual desire, anger and worldly attachment, or a greedy miser in love with your wealth; if you have committed the four great sins and other mistakes; even if you are a murderous fiend who has never taken the time to listen to sacred books, hymns and poetry—if you then come to remember the Supreme Lord God, and contemplate Him, even for a moment, you shall be saved. " Ang 70
Helping others: Christian-Matthew 5:42 "Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you."
Helping others: Sikh- (There are verses that support Sewa, but because it's such an integral part it should be noted with some articles): Seva - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia.
That's all for now in this unbiased comparison of the two religions.

 

[SpentaMaynu]

@SSDSSDSSD3 Never thought of a comparison between Christianity and Sikhism and I enjoyed reading this short comparison. Would like to read more, but most of all I would like to have my own Guru Granth Sahib - is that possible and if so where can I get one? (not pdf, real book)

 

[SSDSSDSSD3]

@SSDSSDSSD3 Never thought of a comparison between Christianity and Sikhism and I enjoyed reading this short comparison. Would like to read more, but most of all I would like to have my own Guru Granth Sahib - is that possible and if so where can I get one? (not pdf, real book)

The only reason the answer to that would usually be "no" is because ultimately Guru Granth Sahib is the Guru, God almighty for us: you can't just buy it through stores, the best second thing I know is buying it in volumes. Or "buy" it through special Gurdwaras, (I personally don't know which ones). This is the closest I could find: SINGH BROTHERS ,(p.s. You can't ship Guru Sahib either, which is why only volumes are sold online).

 

[SpentaMaynu]

The only reason the answer to that would usually be "no" is because ultimately Guru Granth Sahib is the Guru, God almighty for us: you can't just buy it through stores, the best second thing I know is buying it in volumes. Or "buy" it through special Gurdwaras, (I personally don't know which ones). This is the closest I could find: SINGH BROTHERS ,(p.s. You can't ship Guru Sahib either, which is why only volumes are sold online).

That is what I thought, but I took a change. I love reading and learning from different Holy Scriptures. Thanks for the link, I'll check it out

 

[Treks]

SpentaMaynu, you can purchase a 5 volume set with Gurbani and English translation here: Siri Guru Granth Sahib with English Translation - High Quality Printed Hardcover 5 Volume Set | SikhNet

You could also download a translation in English and have it printed privately, but I've looked into it and it can be quite expensive.

Best of luck.

 

[Treks]

Ok, so I have seen many badly written comparisons of Sikhi and Christianity and they are overtly biased one way or the other, so I'll try making this unbiased as possible.
Salvation through God's grace alone: Christian- "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--" Ephesians 2:8
Salvation through God's grace alone: Sikh-"is brought to ecstasy by the True Lord's Glance of Grace. That person does not have to go through the fire of the womb again. ||2||" Ang 19 Guru Granth Sahib
Hell: Christian-Rom. 1:18 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,"
Hell: Sikh-"Even so, if they have not embraced love for the Supreme Lord God, then they shall surely go to hell. ||5||" Ang 70 Guru Granth Sahib
Forgiveness of Sins, (both of these are long and must be looked at context)
Christian-Romans 3:23-26 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus."
Sikh-"When you are under the power of sexual desire, anger and worldly attachment, or a greedy miser in love with your wealth; if you have committed the four great sins and other mistakes; even if you are a murderous fiend who has never taken the time to listen to sacred books, hymns and poetry—if you then come to remember the Supreme Lord God, and contemplate Him, even for a moment, you shall be saved. " Ang 70
Helping others: Christian-Matthew 5:42 "Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you."
Helping others: Sikh- (There are verses that support Sewa, but because it's such an integral part it should be noted with some articles): Seva - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia.
That's all for now in this unbiased comparison of the two religions.

Sat Sri Akaal Ji

So, in summary, you're highlighting the similarities perceived between the two?

1. Salvation through God's grace alone
2. Belief in Hell
3. Forgiveness of sins?
4. Helping others

 

[SSDSSDSSD3]

Sat Sri Akaal Ji

So, in summary, you're highlighting the similarities perceived between the two?

1. Salvation through God's grace alone
2. Belief in Hell
3. Forgiveness of sins?
4. Helping others

Yes. (I won't say I could compare everything as both religions have a lot more similarities and differences).

 

[Treks]

Fascinating! I've heard a few people highlight the similarities between Judaism and Sikhi, but never Christianity and Sikhi. To me, they are fundamentally different. Sikhi has a little bit more in common with Catholicism than Protestantism, but still, Jesus being God on Earth is contrary to the Mool Mantar straight up - Ik Onkar is Ajooni - never born/incarnated.

 

[SSDSSDSSD3]

Fascinating! I've heard a few people highlight the similarities between Judaism and Sikhi, but never Christianity and Sikhi. To me, they are fundamentally different. Sikhi has a little bit more in common with Catholicism than Protestantism, but still, Jesus being God on Earth is contrary to the Mool Mantar straight up - Ik Onkar is Ajooni - never born/incarnated.

I never said Jesus was God. Vaheguru never borns or dies, but Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji was not born in the way most people are born, (which is why he came upon earth with laughter instead of tears). The Guru is the very form of God on Earth, God was there before him, and after him; also he Vaheguru was everywhere and in everything; though our Gurus humbly wrote about themselves that they were nothing compared to God, despite being God himself. (Very little descriptions on this view in Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, but a lot in Bhai Gurdas Ji's Vaars.)

 

[Treks]

I never said Jesus was God. Vaheguru never borns or dies, but Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji was not born in the way most people are born, (which is why he came upon earth with laughter instead of tears). The Guru is the very form of God on Earth, God was there before him, and after him; also he Vaheguru was everywhere and in everything; though our Gurus humbly wrote about themselves that they were nothing compared to God, despite being God himself. (Very little descriptions on this view in Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, but a lot in Bhai Gurdas Ji's Vaars.)

I know you didn't talk about Jesus being God. I was merely pointing out one of the aspects where Christianity and Sikhi differ quite significantly.

The Shabad is the Guru. Human Guru Sahib Jios were but mouths for the Shabad - Mahala. I don't say that with any disrespect, of course Guru Sahiban were remarkable persons. Subtle difference between Shabad Guru and human Guru.

I am still making my way through English translation of Bhai Gurdas Ji's Vaars. Essential reading!

 

[SSDSSDSSD3]

I know you didn't talk about Jesus being God. I was merely pointing out one of the aspects where Christianity and Sikhi differ quite significantly.

The Shabad is the Guru. Human Guru Sahib Jios were but mouths for the Shabad - Mahala. I don't say that with any disrespect, of course Guru Sahiban were remarkable persons. Subtle difference between Shabad Guru and human Guru.

I am still making my way through English translation of Bhai Gurdas Ji's Vaars. Essential reading!

I can respect your point of view, (I also know why many Sikhs hold your view, I was raised with that view as a kid). It's good to know you're looking at Bhai Gurdas Ji's Vaars.

 

[Treks]

I would like to hear from Christians about how they would describe their concepts of

1. Salvation through God's grace alone
2. Belief in Hell
3. Forgiveness of sins?

In particular, I'm interested to know what "Grace" is, what "Hell" is, and what "Sin" is, for Christians.

Many thanks

 

[Treks]

I can respect your point of view, (I also know why many Sikhs hold your view, I was raised with that view as a kid). It's good to know you're looking at Bhai Gurdas Ji's Vases.

Bhai Gurdas Ji made lovely vases

 

[SSDSSDSSD3]

Bhai Gurdas Ji made lovely vases

Edited*

 

[SSDSSDSSD3]

I would like to hear from Christians about how they would describe their concepts of

1. Salvation through God's grace alone
2. Belief in Hell
3. Forgiveness of sins?

In particular, I'm interested to know what "Grace" is, what "Hell" is, and what "Sin" is, for Christians.

Many thanks

I honestly believe this is a 'dead topic', you could make a new topic and ask them.

 

[Treks]

I'm in no rush. Someone will see it eventually.

 

[soma]

We have to be a good Christian or Jew to understand Eastern thought or we have to be a good Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu or Muslim to understand Christianity. It is like climbing a mountain and getting a new and more spacious view where Christianity or Buddhist thought bring us to the mountain and contemplation increases the connections making the Western or Eastern environment richer and more meaningful. The point where we start in Christianity still exists and is still a part of our culture, but it appears smaller as we climb the mountain and awaken to an all-inclusive, and an all-encompassing comprehension. We climb from learning about the events of Jesus to an actual spiritual experience where unchanging stories are transformed into an exciting encounter with the mind of Christ in meaning and love. The higher up the mountain we climb, the more we are making progress in the heart of Christ. The spiritual experiences encountered are just resting places where we drink from the pure water of love within and do not worry about the tarnished container outside. There is no path to love; there is only a discreet, inconspicuous experience of love, peace and happiness where these resting periods in the space of happiness are of great consequence so we love what we are doing. “The business and method of mysticism is love,” says the mystic Evelyn Underhill. “Fear is driven out by perfect love.” (John 4:18) The Sikhs have similar stories, kirtan, and meditation to give them the same experience.

It doesn’t matter if we get to the mountain with Eastern or Western principles because they are in duality, but as we enter unity we drop the concept of opposites and bath or relax in the unity of love. If we think of Unity or God that is what ties everything together in some form of harmony, then everything is in a relationship with everything, God or Eternity. When everything is in a relationship with everything else then nothingness or no-thing exist in isolation or is separate from anything so there is no-thing. Therefore everything is inseparable even opposites are one. In our body we have opposite muscles that complement one another. One muscle straightens the arm and the opposite muscle bends the arm. We have opposites in the body that complement each other for the health and wellbeing of the entire system. It seems it was designed to co-operate and work with opposites that are inseparable. In other words, opposites are just two parts of one whole and are not separate. In silence, we have no point where heat ends and cold begins. I think this dialog is talking about the cooperation and oneness of everything working together East and West. "One God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all....." (Ephesians 4:6 NRSV)

This is the view point from Christian Mysticism.