Sikhism & Judaism & Christianity

Although no direct references are made to these two religions, there are references to the holy books of the Semitic religions and their scriptures referred to in the Guru Granth Sahib as 'Kateb' (Taurat: The Book of Moses, Zabur: The Book of David, Injil: New Testament and Quran). It is likely that Guru Nanak met Christian and Jewish missionaries during his extensive travels to the west. Christian missionaries were also active in the southern parts of India visited by Guru Nanak. Because the Sikh Gurus were involved in extensive missionary work to convert people to Sikhism, they concentrated on the dominant religions of the masses at that time, which did not include Christianity and Judaism in the east.

Similarities

Submission to the will of God, Hukam.

Khalsa brotherhood and sacrament.

Brotherhood of man.

Fatherhood of God and salvation by grace.

Jewish emphasis on 'The Name'.

Differences

Salvation for the 'choosen people'. Sikhism believes anyone can achieve salvation irrespective of the religion that they follow if they endear God in their heart and daily actions.

Christian concept of Jesus as son of God. Sikhism regards all as the children of God.

Infant baptism. In Sikhism child baptism into the Khalsa brotherhood is discouraged. One should only become a Khalsa when they are able to fully understand the duties and responsibilities.

Special Day for worship. There is no special day like Sunday or Sabbath for worship.

Heaven and Hell as physical entities. In Sikhism there are no such physical places. Hell is equivalent to the cycles of births and deaths and heaven is equivalent to the soul merging with God.

Priests. Guru Gobind Singh abolished the priestly class making Sikhism free from their weaknesses and egos, the only priest is the Living Guru, the Guru Granth Sahib which contains all the knowledge and which is available for reading by any Sikh.