* Listen in on an imaginary conversation between Jesus and a deity of the third-largest religion in the world. Interrupted by Subramaniam, a real-life 20th-century Hindu, and a fictional character, Richard, Christ and Krishna answer questions about life, the afterlife---and why what you believe really matters. Great for seekers and Christians wanting to know more about Hinduism. 96 pages, hardcover from Multnomah.
If you want to delve into all the similarities and differences between Hinduism and Christianity, there are many thick, laborious theological works that will aid you on your quest. But if you want to understand the core differences in an easy-to-follow, brief format, Ravi Zacharias’ New Birth or Rebirth? Jesus Talks with Krishna fills the need.
Zacharias’ brief book (less than 100 pages) is part of his Great Conversations series in which he scripts out conversations between Jesus and historical figures. Previous books had Jesus face off with Buddha and Hitler, and now Krishna steps forward to debate Jesus. The conversation style proves very effective and allows Zacharias to develop his points without sounding preachy or getting bogged down in complex theology.
In New Birth or Rebirth?, Zacharias employs two other characters, Subramaniam (Subra) and Richard, who discuss Hinduism from a practitioner’s viewpoint while traveling together. They also eavesdrop on the conversation between Jesus and Krishna from behind a veil, and Subra eventually enters the discussion and asks questions of both speakers to clarify points he does not fully understand.
Hinduism is a very complex religion, so the early part of the conversation lets Krishna give a brief but succinct explanation of how he came to exist and the role he was to play. Zacharias does a commendable job of giving enough information without getting too deep. The dialogue covers such Hindu topics as the caste system, the reliance on works and not grace, and the philosophy of one’s life merely being a play or drama on a universal stage. Jesus clearly maintains that such reliance on man’s works are worthless, and states: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
Zacharias’ comparisons between Hinduism and Christianity allow readers from both sides, and all other religions, to better understand the basic tenets and see the stark differences between the teachings of Krishna and Jesus. -- Jeff Friend, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
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3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jennifer (Canada), August 21, 2008
The aim of New Birth or Rebirth is to educate and inform Christians about the Hindu faith, and to contrast the major figure of each. In attempts to establish evidence of an archetypal theme of the sacrificial God, comparisons pointing out the similarities between Krishna and Christ have become somewhat commonplace. Zacharias points out the differences between the two, correcting any misunderstanding that Krishna and Jesus play the same role in their respective faiths.
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.
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Stacey (Las Vegas, NV), June 26, 2008
“New Birth or Rebirth – Jesus talks with Krishna” by Ravi Zacharias is a fascinating way to gain perspective on Hinduism in relation to Christian beliefs. A brief introduction by the author explaining the topic is followed by a scripted conversation between Jesus, Krishna, Subramanian and a fictional character named Richard designed to enlighten the reader about the differences between Christianity and the Hindu faith.
This sometimes easy to digest, other times philosophical, dialogue brings to light the major differences in the beliefs of Hindus and Christians in a very creative way. As a drama ministry participant, I can almost see this book being used to put on a play to educate my congregation. I look forward to reading Zacharias’ other “Great Conversations” books: “The Lotus and the Cross – Jesus talks with Buddha” and “The Lamb and the Fuhrer – Jesus talks with Hitler”.
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