Joginder singh says: October 19, 2015 at 1:01 am
I am a former Christian who converted to Sikhism to impress my Sikh in-laws when I married their daughter. In 2004, I just graduated from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada with a degree in Software Engineering and accepted a job offer in India. Despite me being white and Christian, I always had a thing for India and wanted to live in India so I could learn Hindi and start some networking opportunities so when I return to Canada in a few years to open my on software consulting company, these experiences would come in handy. Anyhow, I landed a job with a company based in Ludhiana and in September 2004 I packed up my bags and moved there. I had no family to worry about as I was raised in foster care since I was removed from my birth mother when I was 4 years old (whom I lost contact with) so I was pretty much on my own. Anyway I met this Sikh woman (same age as me 23 years old) at the Chaura Bazaar when I was shopping, we immediately hit it off and start seeing each other often. She was working as a registered Nurse at a local hospital and is of Sikh background. After three months of dating she told me that even though she loves me, she would not be able to marry me as I was a Christian and her extremely strict Sikh parents would kill her if they learned of her relationship. She told me through tears that she had to end her relationship with me and left. One week later I received a phone call from her asking me to come to her house to which I agreed. After work the next day I went to her small apartment which she shares with her parents. After introducing myself to her parents, I had dinner with them. Using their daughter as a translator they told me that they have learned about their daughter’s relationship with me and would agree with her wish to marry me if I agreed to the following things.
1) I am to adopt Sikhism right away
2) I am to move in with them family as soon as possible
3) I am to learn Punjabi and only speak it in the home
4) I am to along with my wife to financially support her parents
5) I am to give up my Canadian citizenship and take out Indian citizenship
6) I am to raise my children as Sikhs
Fast-forward to 2015 and I am still living in Ludhiana, Punjab. I am the owner of a very successful software consulting business earning over 40 lakhs a year (small by Canadian standards but large by Indian standards). I took out Indian citizenship as soon as I was eligible and gave up my Canadian citizenship. I live in a spacious apartment with my wife, two daughters ages 4 and 2 plus my parents in-law, but things have changed; I am no longer a Christian, I have a full beard that reaches down to my waist and my hair also reaches down to my waist which I cover with a Patiala Shahi Turban. My Parents-in law treat me like the son they never had and I am very close to them. As a family we go to the gurdwara every day and we all strictly recite the banis everyday together. I have never expected to become a Sikh 10 years ago but if accepting the beard and turban means having a family that loves me dearly then I gladly give my head to the Guru. -Joginder singh
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I am of the opinion that interfaith marriages do not work out unless one spouse willingly coverts. In the case of interfaith marriages where one spouse is a practicing Sikh and the other spouse is a non-Sikh, I strongly recommend that the non-Sikh spouse convert to Sikhism by taking Amrit Sanchar prior to marriage, and embrace not only Sikhism but Punjabi culture and language whole heartily. If you are face with the threat of being disowned by your family for agreeing to become a Sikh prior to marrying a Sikh, do not worry because from my personal observation, the family of the Sikh spouse will recognize this and will move in to become your surrogate family and will treat you as one of their own biological children.
I find that while both Christianity and Sikhism have rules and obligations on how their followers are supposed to conduct themselves, Sikhism demands evidence that you are following the religion whereas Christianity is much more insouciant about this. For example, uncut hairs plus wearing the 5 k’s are evidence that you are following Sikhism whereas Christianity demands no physical evidence that you are following the religion, Islam also demands its followers have physical evidence such as daily prayers and wearing of the Hijab for women but these things tend to be forced upon on Muslims by fellow Muslims whereas Sikhism is opposed to the use of force.
Bro, Say the think which is do you have knowledge. . .
Islam strickly prohibits on forcing. .i will give you evidence. .
and sikhism is the mix of islam and hinduism,
There has never been a case in recorded history where anyone was forced to become a Sikh, unlike Islam where there has been countless recorded cases of forced conversion that still happens to this day.
Show me the evidence brother. . .There is no force in islam. . .
Bro, Say the thing which do you have knowledge. . .
Islam strickly prohibits on forcing. .i will give you evidence. .
and sikhism is the mix of islam and hinduism,
Hi Joginder,
It’s amazing how much you’ve changed for the person you love.You honestly seem like a very good person with a good heart.But, I believe that you’ve changed and sacrificed far too much, just to have a family that you never had.But all these things in this world are temporary, a person can never be truly satisfied and happy in this world. True happiness comes from being attached to the one and only God. I mean, you’ve had issues with accepting Christianity as you believed the churches are not properly conveying the true message. In my opinion before changing your faith, one should explore all religions and find the true one. And as a person that truly cares about you,
I suggest Islam. Islam is the final revelation from God, and we believe in all the biblical prophets.The bible was changed and that’s why God sent down the Quran. Before opposing other religions,one should know more about the religion. Forced conversions are a sin in Islam. No holy book including the book of Sikhism has evidence or miracles in their book. The Quran has clear scientific miracles and prophecies that have and will come true in the future. Please do find out more about Islam. I suggest looking at youtube videos. I promise you all the misconceptions that you have about Islam and in general about life will be answered. May God always keep you happy!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW_P5i0SIBo&ab_channel=hmamabozwed
I do not see Islam as the religion of peace, most Sikhs do not.
Study Islam then you will feel Islam is a peacefull religion.. why you are looking to the followers. . Followers may wrong but religion not
I don’t like to criticize other religions as I see good in all religions but the number one issue I see with Christianity is the need to proselytize and Christian groups do it aggressively and this has to stop.
Agree 100%.
We read the Bible and loved Jesus’ messages but feel, unfortunately, churches are not following – Love Thy neighbors (they are busy converting their neighbors!!).
What you see other differences between these two faiths (not for criticism but for education)?
Thanks for sharing your life experience. Generally, we hear people converting to Christianity in India and not the other way around. Let us know what are issues that you see with Christianity?