Leaving Sikhism: Why I chose to leave.

Summary

In this video, Taj shares his personal journey from Sikhism to Christianity. He discusses the cultural practices of Sikhism, such as wearing turbans and the significance of not cutting hair, which led to bullying at school. Taj explores the differences between Sikhism and Christianity, highlighting the complexity of accessing Sikhism's holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, and the lack of direct preaching. His transition to Christianity was influenced by a friend's introduction to church, where he found a welcoming community, a clearer understanding of faith, and a closer relationship with God.

Takeaways

• 👨‍🦲 Sikhs are required to wear turbans to protect and not show their hair publicly, which is a significant part of their religious identity.
• 🏫 The speaker faced bullying in school due to their long hair, which is a requirement for Sikhs, leading to a personal conflict with their faith.
• 💇‍♂️ The decision to cut one's hair is a major step for a Sikh, as it goes against the religious norms, and the speaker had to make this difficult choice.
• 🤔 Sikhism acknowledges God but places significant emphasis on the teachings of the ten Gurus, which are central to their faith.
• 🕍 Sikh temples often contain artwork and statues of the Gurus, reflecting the importance of these figures in the religion.
• 📿 Sikhs wear bangles as a symbol of commitment to their faith and for protection.
• 🎶 Sikh temple services often involve singing worship songs, but may lack direct preaching or teaching compared to some other religious services.
• 📖 The Guru Granth Sahib is the holy book of Sikhism, but it is not as accessible as the Bible and is usually read by the highest priest, which can limit understanding for some.
• 🔍 The speaker found the practices and teachings of Sikhism confusing, which led to a search for clarity and ultimately a shift towards Christianity.
• 🌟 The speaker's transition to Christianity was influenced by a close friend and positive experiences in church services, where they felt heard and closer to God.

Q & A

What is Sikhism?

Sikhism is a religion that originated in India, mainly in the Punjab region. It is characterized by the practice of wearing turbans and having long, uncut hair as a symbol of their faith.

Why do Sikhs wear turbans?

Sikhs are required to wear turbans to protect their uncut hair, which is a sign of their commitment to their faith. It is a visible expression of their religious beliefs and identity.

What was the speaker's personal experience with long hair and bullying?

The speaker experienced bullying at school due to having long hair, which was a requirement of their Sikh faith. This led to a difficult time for them, especially during their younger years.

How did the speaker's decision to cut their hair affect their family?

The speaker's decision to cut their hair was not supported by their father, who was unhappy with the decision and did not accompany them to their first haircut appointment.

What is the significance of the 'gurus' in Sikhism?

In Sikhism, the 'gurus' are revered spiritual leaders, with ten historical gurus being particularly significant. They are idolized and their teachings form the basis of Sikh beliefs and practices.

What is the difference between a Christian and a born-again Christian according to the speaker's friend?

The speaker's friend explained that there are various types of differences between a Christian and a born-again Christian, which the speaker found relatable and led to further exploration of their own faith.

Why did the speaker find the Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, confusing?

The speaker found the Guru Granth Sahib confusing because it is not easily accessible like the Bible, is usually read by the highest priest, and is not in English, making it difficult to understand the teachings.

What led the speaker to explore Christianity?

The speaker's confusion with Sikhism and a close friend's introduction to church services led them to explore Christianity, where they felt more connected and understood.

How did the speaker's experience in a Christian church differ from their experience in a Sikh temple?

In the Christian church, the speaker found the services more engaging, with teachings that were accessible and understandable, which was a contrast to their experience in the Sikh temple.

What was the turning point for the speaker in their religious journey?

The turning point for the speaker was when they started attending church services more frequently and felt a closer connection to God, leading them to ultimately leave Sikhism and seek Christianity.