Many Christians have little understanding of what their Hindu neighbors believe or why they practice the traditions they do. Yet meaningful relationships begin with understanding. Shanti Week is designed to replace uncertainty with insight by helping participants better understand the worldview, values, and beliefs that shape the lives of their Hindu neighbors – and in the process cultivate a posture of listening, understanding, and gracious engagement that extend far beyond a single culture. Through guided learning, cultural experiences, meaningful conversations, and biblical reflection, you’ll grow in wisdom, confidence, and grace as you learn to engage people of another faith with the hope of the gospel.
“So Paul, standing in the midst of the Aeropagus, said: ‘Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an alter with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.” Acts 17: 22-23
What is Shanti Week?
Hinduism is one of the world's oldest and largest religions, yet it remains unfamiliar to many Christians. As Hindu communities continue to grow throughout North America, opportunities for friendship, hospitality, and gospel witness are becoming increasingly common. Shanti Week helps participants better understand the beliefs and worldview that shape the lives of their Hindu neighbors so they can move beyond assumptions and engage them with greater wisdom, humility, and genuine understanding.
Throughout the week, participants experience carefully curated opportunities to learn from Hindu culture firsthand. Conversations, cultural experiences, a temple visit, guided discussions, and biblical teaching work together to help participants move beyond assumptions and stereotypes. Rather than simply learning facts about another religion, participants learn to understand how worldview shapes the way people think, relate, worship, and make sense of life. By seeing the world through another person’s eyes, participants become better equipped to listen well, ask thoughtful questions, and engage with both compassion and gospel clarity.
Shanti Week isn't about becoming an expert on Hinduism. It's about becoming better prepared to love your Hindu neighbors well. Participants return home with greater confidence to build meaningful relationships, ask thoughtful questions, appreciate cultural differences, and faithfully share the hope found in Jesus. While the experience centers on understanding Hindu neighbors, the posture of curiosity, humility, and understanding developed throughout the week naturally shapes how we engage people from many different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds throughout everyday life.
Learn to understand your Hindu neighbors with wisdom and grace.
Shanti Week is built on the conviction that faithful engagement begins with understanding. As you learn to appreciate another person’s beliefs, values, and culture, you’ll become better prepared to engage your Hindu neighbors with wisdom, humility, thoughtful questions, and the hope of the gospel. Along the way, you’ll cultivate a posture of understanding that strengthens how you engage people from every culture and background.
