Sikhism vs. Christianity — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 5, 2024
Sikhism, founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak in South Asia, emphasizes meditation and equality; Christianity, based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, focuses on faith and redemption.
Difference Between Sikhism and Christianity
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sikhism centers on the teachings of ten Gurus, highlighting the importance of meditative remembrance of God (Naam Simran), whereas Christianity is centered around the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, focusing on salvation through faith.
In Sikhism, the concept of equality is paramount, advocating for the equal treatment of all humans regardless of caste, race, or gender, while Christianity emphasizes the inherent sinfulness of all humans and the potential for redemption through Jesus Christ.
The Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious scripture of Sikhism, revered as the eternal living guru, whereas the Bible is the sacred scripture of Christianity, comprising the Old and New Testaments.
Sikh rituals typically include reading from the Guru Granth Sahib and the communal meal known as Langar, on the other hand, Christian practices include sacraments such as baptism and communion.
Sikhism does not have a clergy class as leadership is more decentralized; Christian organizations typically feature a structured clergy, including priests, pastors, and bishops.
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Comparison Chart
Founder
Guru Nanak
Jesus Christ
Key Belief
Unity and equality of all humans
Salvation through Jesus Christ
Scriptures
Guru Granth Sahib
Bible (Old and New Testaments)
Practices
Naam Simran, Langar
Baptism, Communion, Prayer
Clergy
No formal clergy; community-led
Formal clergy such as priests and bishops
Compare with Definitions
Sikhism
Rejects caste and creed, promoting universal brotherhood.
Sikhism hosts Langar, a free meal for all, emphasizing equality.
Christianity
Emphasizes salvation through faith in Jesus.
Christianity teaches that belief in Jesus ensures eternal life.
Sikhism
Founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century, emphasizing direct connection with God.
Sikhism teaches that meditation on God's name is essential.
Christianity
Practices sacraments like Baptism and Communion.
Christians get baptized as a symbol of faith.
Sikhism
Guru Granth Sahib is the eternal guru.
Sikhs show reverence by bowing before the Guru Granth Sahib.
Christianity
Based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Christians follow the Ten Commandments as moral guidance.
Sikhism
Believes in the cycle of rebirth influenced by karma.
Sikhism teaches that righteous living affects one's next life.
Christianity
Has a structured clergy system.
Christian churches are often led by ordained ministers.
Sikhism
Emphasizes service and justice.
Sikhism encourages its followers to perform Seva, or selfless service.
Christianity
Bible is the sacred scripture.
Christians read the Bible as a source of spiritual guidance and history.
Sikhism
Sikhism () or Sikhi (Punjabi: ਸਿੱਖੀ Sikkhī, [ˈsɪkːʰiː], from ਸਿੱਖ, Sikh, 'disciple', 'seeker', or 'learner') is an Indian Dharmic monotheistic religion that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent around the end of the 15th century CE. Sikhism is one of the youngest of the major religions and the world's fifth-largest organized religion, with about 25–30 million Sikhs as of the early 21st century. However, according to rough estimates, there are around 120–150 million (12–15 crore) Sahajdhari or non-khalsa Nanakpanthi sikhs across the world who also believe in 10 Sikh Gurus and Guru Granth Sahib.
Christianity
Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It is the world's largest religion, with about 2.4 billion followers.
Sikhism
A monotheistic religion founded in northern India in the 1500s by the guru Nanak. Sikhism rejects caste distinctions, idolatry, and asceticism and is characterized by belief in a cycle of reincarnation from which humans can free themselves by living righteous lives as active members of society.
Christianity
A religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus. Most forms of Christianity hold that Jesus is the son of God and is the second person of the Trinity, through whom humans may attain redemption from sin.
Sikhism
The doctrines of a monotheistic religion founded in northern India in the 16th century by Guru Nanak and combining elements of Hinduism and Islam
Christianity
Christians as a group; Christendom.
Christianity
The state or fact of being a Christian.
Christianity
Pl. Chris·ti·an·i·ties A particular form or sect of the Christian religion
The Christianities of antiquity.
Christianity
The religion of Christians; the system of doctrines and precepts taught by Christ.
Christianity
Practical conformity of one's inward and outward life to the spirit of the Christian religion
Christianity
The body of Christian believers.
To Walys fled the christianiteeOf olde Britons.
Christianity
A monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior
Christianity
The collective body of Christians throughout the world and history (found predominantly in Europe and the Americas and Australia);
For a thousand years the Roman Catholic Church was the principal church of Christendom
Common Curiosities
What are the core practices of Sikhism?
Meditation on God’s name and communal Langar.
Do Sikhs believe in heaven and hell?
Sikhism views the afterlife more in terms of a soul's closeness to or distance from God.
Who is the founder of Christianity?
Jesus Christ.
What is a significant festival in Christianity?
Easter, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.
What is the foundational scripture of Sikhism?
The Guru Granth Sahib.
How do Christians achieve salvation?
Through faith in Jesus Christ and following his teachings.
How does Sikhism view other religions?
It respects all religions as different paths to the one God.
What is Langar in Sikhism?
A free communal meal served to all visitors, without distinction.
What are the Five Ks in Sikhism?
Kesh, Kara, Kanga, Kacchera, and Kirpan, which are mandated articles of faith.
What is the significance of Christmas in Christianity?
It celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
What role does baptism play in Christianity?
It signifies the washing away of sin and a new life in Christ.
What does communion represent in Christianity?
It commemorates Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples.
How are Sikh leaders chosen?
Sikhism does not have a clergy; leaders are often chosen based on their wisdom and adherence to Sikh principles.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
