What is Jainism?

Answer

Jainism originated in the 6th century as a reform movement within Hinduism. It is founded on the teachings of Mahavira, its founder. Mahavira believed that enlightenment could be attained through a life of self-denial. For 12 years, he roamed India naked and silent, enduring hardships and mistreatment. Subsequently, he began teaching his newfound beliefs after accepting disciples. Mahavira strongly opposed the worship of a supreme being. Despite denying the existence of any deity to worship, he was deified by his followers, being recognized as the 24th Tirthankara, the ultimate savior figure. According to Jain scriptures, Mahavira descended from heaven, lived a sinless life, and achieved liberation from earthly desires through meditation.

Jainism is characterized by extreme legalism, as salvation is achieved solely through ascetic practices (rigorous self-denial). The religion is devoid of freedom, emphasizing strict adherence to rules, particularly the Five Great Vows, which require followers to abstain from (1) harming living beings, (2) falsehood, (3) greed, (4) sexual pleasure, and (5) worldly attachments. Women are completely avoided due to the belief that they are the source of various evils.

Similar to other false religions, Jainism is incompatible with biblical Christianity. The Bible explicitly prohibits the worship of any deity other than the true and living God. “I am the Lord your God… You shall have no other gods before Me” «I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. », (Exodus 20:2,3) «Thou shalt have no other gods before me. », (Exodus 20:2,3). “I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God” <«I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: », (Isaiah 45:5). Mahavira was not a god at all, but a man. Like all men, he was born, he sinned, and he died. He did not reach sinless perfection. Only one Man lived perfectly, the Lord Jesus Christ who “was in all points tempted just as we are, yet without sin” «For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. », (Hebrews 4:15).

Second, the Bible makes it clear that following laws and teachings, even those from the true and living God, will never result in the righteousness required for salvation. “For by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified” «knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. », (Galatians 2:16). The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9) who bore our sin on the cross so that we could bear His righteousness. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” «For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.», (2 Corinthians 5:21). The faith Jesus taught alleviates the burdens of people while Jainism only adds to them.

Finally, two of Jainism’s “great vows” directly contradict the revealed Word of God. While avoiding greed, lying, and worldly attachments is commendable, abstaining from sexual pleasure, if taken to its extreme, would be detrimental to mankind. To ensure the continuity of human generations on earth, God bestowed upon us the gift of sexual impulse. Within the confines of holy matrimony, the sexual impulse achieves its full realization, securing the future of our species (Genesis 1:28;Genesis 2:24;Genesis 9:1). Additionally, one of the principles of Jainism is ahimsa, which prohibits taking life in any form. This directly contradicts both the Old and New Testaments where God permitted mankind to consume animals as food (Leviticus 11 and Acts 10).

Like all false religions, Jainism is another deception from Satan whose aim is to ensnare us in a system that directs our focus inward, leading us to concentrate on ourselves, striving to prove our worth through self-denial and adherence to regulations. Jesus instructed us to deny ourselves, live for Him, and, through Him, for others. The limited spread of Jainism beyond specific regions of India indicates its failure to address universal human needs. This stands in sharp contrast to Jesus Christ, whose influence is truly universal.