A Visit To The Sikh Temple

 

What’s a religion that believes in reincarnation requires adherents to not cut their hair and worships a book compiled by ten men over more than 300 years? It’s the Sikh religion and one that nearly 200 students and adults at Momentum youth conference learned about Friday as they embarked on the third visit of the week to a temple of another religion.

This visit required that participants have their heads covered, so wearing bright yellow bandannas provided by Grace Brethren International Missions, they entered the building, removed their shoes, and had a seat in a large room before a covered book. The air was thick with the smell of curry.

A representative of the temple explained the Sikh religion, a belief system that was first found in the Punjab region of India. He then took questions from the students.

Following the visit to the temple, the group moved to a nearby church where Dave Guiles, executive director of Grace Brethren International Missions led a discussion about the experience.

“It seemed like there were a lot of loose ends,” said Caleb, a 15-year-old from Orange, Calif. “He was never able to answer the specifics.”

“It seemed like it was a people-pleasing religion,” added Paul, a 16-year-old from Lanham, Md. “It didn’t matter what religion you are, you could still be a part of God.”

“I felt really sorry for the man who was talking,” said Alexandra, a 16-year-old from Frederick, Md. “He couldn’t answer the questions. I feel like I should pray for him.”

“I left with more questions than answers,” noted Jordan, an 18-year-old from Frederick, Md. “I’m really joyful to know the Bible is really God’s word.”