An Overview of World Religions: Sikhism

By Jeannie Lockerbie Stephenson

"Who are these men with turbans on their heads?" You may have asked this question, seeing such men driving taxi cabs in New York, operating fast-food restaurants in California, or managing clothing stores in Toronto .

Quite likely, they are followers of Sikhism, the fifth largest religion in the world. Sikhs are neither Hindus nor Muslims; rather, they combine elements from both religions. Like Islam, Sikhism is strictly monotheistic. Like Hinduism, Sikhism believes in karma (the sum of a person's past actions) and rebirth.

Unlike in Hinduism and Buddhism, a life acceptable to their god does not involve denial. Sikhs may eat meat (except pork), marry, live an ordinary life, and still expect to escape the cycle of rebirth.

Every Sikh must have a guru (teacher) whom he or she follows diligently. The submissiveness of the Sikh to the guru's teachings is the basis on which their god grants grace and escape from rebirth.

A Sikh man has a distinctive appearance, characterized by five physical articles:

He does not cut his beard or hair, a symbol of spirituality.
He covers his long hair with a turban, a symbol of royalty and dignity.
He places a comb in his hair, a symbol of hygiene and discipline.
He wears a steel bangle on his right wrist, a symbol of restraint.
He carries a sword, a symbol of the struggle against injustice.

These articles set him apart from other men and are symbols of his faith.

Sikhism began in the Punjab region of India around 1500 AD. Nanak was the first guru of the religion. The nine gurus who followed each developed another aspect of the religion. For example, Nanak started public kitchens where all members eat together, regardless of caste (a direct contradiction to Hinduism). The second guru made the public kitchens integral to the Sikh temples. The tenth guru completed the scriptures known as the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which are now placed at the center of every Sikh temple as the most sacred object.

Tips for presenting the gospel to Sikhs:

Do not confuse them with Hindus or Muslims.
Commend them for their good works.
Introduce them to the Lord Jesus Christ as not only a great teacher, but also the Savior of the world.

For further information on this religion, visit www.sikhs.org .