Discussion Guide / Questions About Scripture And Authority

11.2 How do you decide between Hindu scriptures, gurus, family tradition, personal experience, and modern moral judgment?

Typical Answer 1

A Hindu might say they try to harmonize them. Scripture, gurus, family, experience, and conscience may all contain partial wisdom.

Gentle Christian Response

Harmony is desirable, but not always possible. Sometimes authorities genuinely conflict. Christianity recognizes multiple sources of wisdom, but says they must be judged by God's revealed truth. Isaiah 8:20 calls people back to God's instruction and testimony. Christians believe Jesus is the clearest standard because he reveals the Father (John 14:9). When harmony is impossible, what source has final authority?

Typical Answer 2

A Hindu might say personal experience and conscience are most important because religion must be lived. A teaching that does not resonate morally or spiritually may be set aside.

Gentle Christian Response

Experience and conscience matter, but they can mislead. People can sincerely feel peace about something false or feel resistance toward something true. Jeremiah 17:9 warns that the heart can be deceitful. Christianity does not ask us to ignore conscience; it asks us to let conscience be corrected by God. Jesus sometimes offends human expectations precisely because he tells the truth. How do you test your conscience when it conflicts with revelation?

Typical Answer 3

A Hindu might say modern moral judgment should correct older customs where necessary. Traditions must be interpreted in light of compassion and justice.

Gentle Christian Response

Christians can agree that inherited practices may need moral correction. Jesus himself challenged traditions that nullified God's command (Mark 7:8-13). But modern moral opinion also needs correction, because every age has its blind spots. Christianity measures both ancient tradition and modern instinct by God's character revealed in Christ. What authority can judge both old customs and modern assumptions?