There are some specific similarities and dissimilarities between Christianity and Sikhism

There are some specific similarities and dissimilarities between Christianity and Sikhism in respect of the nature and identity of God. The basic similarity between these two religions can be found in the fact that both of them are monotheistic and both of them believe in the supremacy of a single God. For both the religions God is both the creator and preserver of the world (“Christianity vs Sikhism”, n.d.). But while Christianity believes that “The trinity exists as three beings in one godhead: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit” (“Christianity vs Sikhism”, n.d.), Sikhism believes in a single, independent God and the Sikhs follow only the religious teachings of the Sikh Gurus and adhere to their religious principles.

It is a matter of fact that though similarities can be found between Sikhism and Hinduism too, regarding some issues, there is hardly any similarity between these two religions in respect of caste and social class division. While Hinduism includes an elaborate caste system, “Guru Sahib declared that in Sikhism everyone has equal right to worship. There can be no distinction of caste or creed, gender or colour” (Singh, n.d.). Moreover, it must be noted that like Hinduism, Sikhism too, considers men and women to be different by virtue of their gender, but it does not consider the superiority of one sex over the other as according to the religious philosophy of Sikhism men and women are equal before the eyes of God (“Role of Women in Sikhism”, n.d.).

There is a debate still going on regarding the issue that whether or not Proselytism strongly existed in Judaism. But the most recent studies have found that “Proselytes to Judaism certainly existed but there is no evidence for the view that these people were actively sought out” (Paget, 1996), and in this respect a similarity can be found between Judaism and Sikhism to some extent. Sikhism, partially like Judaism (but not entirely like Judaism), prohibits proselytism that might occur through force or enticement because according to the religious principle of Sikhism each person has his/her individual right to adhere to the religious principles of his/her choice.

In my view there are major similarities between Sikhism and Islam. I feel so because both of these religions are monotheistic, approving the omnipresence of a single God. Moreover, in respect of the importance of a religious preacher both the religions emphasize on “the need for a guide or preceptor for union with God. Islam calls this medium murshid, rahbir, pir or awliya…Sikhism calls this source of inspiration the Guru or Satguru” (Simran9, 2004). And due to these reasons I think Islam can be considered as the religion that is most similar to Sikhism.

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References:

Christianity vs Sikhism (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2013, from http://www.diffen.com/difference/Christianity_vs_Sikhism

Role of Women in Sikhism (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2013, from http://www.wahegurunet.com/role-of-women-in-sikhism

Simran9 (2004). Similarities between Islam and Sikhism. Retrieved June 4, 2013, from http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?/topic/4766-similarities-between-islam-and-sikhism/

Singh, B.M. (n.d.). The Sikhs are neither Hindus nor Muslims. Retrieved June 4, 2013, from http://www.sikhmarg.com/english/The-Sikhs.html