Judah Smith Says You Can Stay Hindu and Follow Jesus — But What Does Following Jesus Mean?

Seattle megachurch pastor Judah Smith is drawing criticism after remarks on a recent podcast episode in which he suggested that a person can keep another religious identity — Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, or Mormon — while still following Jesus.

Smith, pastor of Churchome alongside his wife, made the comments while appearing on the Miracle Mentality podcast, hosted by Tim Storey, according to a report published October 29 by Protestia.

"You can call yourself whatever you want, bro. It's just — you've got to meet Jesus," Smith said on the program. "I don't care. I've got a friend who's like, 'I'm still Hindu, but I follow Jesus.' I'm like, 'cool, bro.' You think I care?"

Smith went on to say that he does not believe believers will reach heaven and hear Jesus insist on the title "Christian," noting that the label was not one Jesus himself gave. "I think the point is to follow Jesus," he said.

The remarks have stirred debate among Christians online, with critics arguing that following Jesus cannot be separated from turning away from other faiths and their claims about God. Supporters of Smith's approach say his emphasis is on a personal relationship with Jesus rather than on religious labels.

Protestia, which first circulated the clip, framed Smith's comments as the latest in a series of controversial statements from the Churchome pastor, whose large online congregation gathers largely through the church's app. The outlet has previously covered Smith's remarks on other sensitive topics.

What Smith means by "follow Jesus" in this context remains open to interpretation. His comments did not, as reported, address whether his Hindu friend affirms the central claims of the Christian faith — that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for sin and rose again, or that salvation comes through Him alone.

For Christians weighing such questions, the distinction matters. The New Testament presents following Jesus as more than admiration or association: it involves repentance, faith in Christ alone, and allegiance to Him as Lord. A person may come to Christ out of any background, but the Scriptures describe conversion as a turning — away from former gods and toward the one true God.

Smith has not, as of this report, issued a clarification of his podcast remarks. The conversation continues a long-running discussion in the wider church about how to speak the Gospel clearly and lovingly to people of other faiths without blurring what the Gospel itself claims.