“I’m Still Hindu, but I Follow Jesus”: Judah Smith’s Response Ignites Backlash

Can someone identify as Hindu while following Jesus? Churchome pastor Judah Smith has sparked a heated debate after recounting a friend's statement to that effect-and responding, "Cool, bro. You think I care?"

According to ChurchLeaders' October 29 report, Smith made the remarks during an appearance on Miracle Mentality With Tim Storey. A clip circulated by discernment ministry Protestia drew criticism over what his approach to evangelism implies about conversion, religious identity and commitment to Christ.

Smith, Churchome's lead communicator, described people in Los Angeles who are receptive to Jesus even when they resist the language or associations of organised Christianity. His priority, he explained, is introducing them to Jesus rather than insisting they first adopt a particular label.

"I don't think we're going to get to heaven and Jesus is like, 'You gotta take the title "Christian,"'" Smith said.

He argued that Jesus did not give his followers that designation and described his hope for a worldwide awakening centred on Jesus, with technology helping spread that interest.

"I think the point is just following Jesus," he said.

But his account of the Hindu friend became the flashpoint. Was Smith describing someone beginning to explore faith in Christ, or suggesting that continuing Hindu religious commitments presents no conflict with Christian discipleship? The excerpt supplied does not clarify what his friend meant by identifying as Hindu-or what Smith understood that identification to involve.

That distinction matters. A conversation about religious labels raises a different question from a conversation about worship, belief and allegiance. Smith's emphasis on meeting Jesus leaves unresolved how he would address those commitments as someone's faith develops.

Critics responded sharply. Preacher and political activist John K. Amanchukwu called the remarks an "unbiblical take," while evangelist Justin Peters also criticised the clip. The exchange even attracted a brief, bewildered response from atheist commentator Hemant Mehta.

Smith's stated aim was to remove obstacles to encountering Jesus. The backlash exposes the question his comments left hanging: what does following Jesus require beyond an openness to him?

For church leaders, the controversy touches a central challenge of evangelism-welcoming people into conversations about Christ while explaining clearly what becoming his disciple means.