When it comes to presuppositional apologetics, many seem to think that it’s only effective for various forms of atheism. As I’ve demonstrated in my articles about the Koran and the Book of Mormon, this is simply false. The worldview of the Old and New Testaments provide the preconditions that make reasoning of any kind intelligible. Again, anyone who denies the God of Scripture becomes “vain in their reasonings.” (Rom 1:21)

But what specifically do we do with a religion such as Hinduism? As always, we “answer the fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.” (Prov. 26:5)

The worldview of Hinduism is, in part, revealed in documents called the Upanishads. Before diving in, however, I need to make a point about worldviews and definitions. Cornelius Van Til points out somewhere (I think in “Introduction to Systematic Theology”) that, in principle, believers and unbelievers cannot really agree on the definition of a simple word like “is”. This is because, in the Christian scheme, “to be” means to be either Creator or creature, so there are two kinds of being. In nonChristian schemes, “to be” means to exist in a basically chance universe, so there is only one kind of being.

The same is true for the terms “immanence” and “transcendence”. In Christianity, “immanence” means that God’s nature is so clearly revealed in Creation that it is impossible for image bearers to be unaware at any moment of His existence. (Rom 1:20) “Transcendence” means that there is a complete separation between Creator and creature. (Gen. 1:1, Ps. 146:6)

In Hindu philosophy, these terms mean something quite different. “Immanence” means that Brahman, the supreme cosmic spirit, is identical with reality. “Transcendence” means that Brahman is completely unknowable. In other words, the Hindu concept of immanence contradicts the Christian concept of transcendence, and the Christian concept of immanence contradicts the Hindu concept of transcendence.

What difference does this make, apologetically speaking? Plenty. Let’s take a look at some of the passages in the Upanishads. Brahman is identified with the universe and Atman is basically the word for soul. “Brahman is all and Atman is Brahman.” (p. 83, Penguin classic edition) “Know the Atman as Lord of a chariot; and the body as the chariot itself. Know that reason is the charioteer; and the mind indeed is the reins.” (p. 60) But Brahman is also considered to be the creator. “Brahma was before the gods were, the Creator of all, the Guardian of the Universe.” (p. 75) Thus the Hindu concept of immanence: Brahman, or God, is identified with all of reality. “In truth Brahman is all.” (p. 79)

But other parts of the Upanishads indicate Brahman is completely unknowable. “There the eye goes not, nor words, nor mind. We know not, we cannot understand, how he can be explained: He is above the known and he is above the unknown… What cannot be spoken with words, but that whereby words are spoken: Know that alone to be Brahman, the Spirit; and not what people here adore.” (p. 51) And “This Atman… is immeasurable and beyond all thought… He cannot be seen by the eye, and words cannot reveal him.” (p. 80) If Brahman cannot be known by the “words, nor mind” then just what are the Upanishads? “Words cannot reveal him” and “Brahman is in eternity above ignorance and knowledge.” (p. 93) And since Brahman is identified with Atman, and Brahman is all of reality, then not one single truth can be known of reality in terms of Hindu philosophy, yet the text continually refers to the concept of truth!

This is confirmed by what the Upanishads say about “maya.” The introduction in the Penguin classic edition says the “maya” means “illusion” (p. 13) and then later on the Upanishads themselves say “Know therefore that nature is Maya…” (p. 92). All is illusion. Nothing can be known for sure. Quite the opposite of what the Bible teaches about God. His existence is so obvious that only a fool denies it! (Ps. 14:1) Not to mention that the Upanishads cannot make sense of morality. They appeal to moral absolutes (p. 81) while simultaneously denying their relevance (p. 80).

Hinduism is a truly impoverished philosophy. If Hinduism were true, then there is no truth, and thus Hinduism would have to be rejected. This is a clear example of Lewis’ vivid metaphor of one who argues against God’s existence (the God of Scripture, that is) cuts off the tree branch that he is sitting on.

You can get your own copy of the Upanishads at Amazon here. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140441638/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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Five questions I would like to ask Hindus
1. On what basis would you accept or reject Christianity?
2. Is rationality possible in Hinduism?
3. Is there a basis for science in Hinduism?
4. Does man need salvation?
5. Is Brahman knowable, without requiring complete omniscience?

7 Responses

  1. 1. On what basis would you accept or reject Christianity?
    The arrogance of it’s followers prove that it is not real. Compare to a Buddhist for example, and the way a Buddhist will accept any human.
    2. Is rationality possible in Hinduism?
    Yes
    3. Is there a basis for science in Hinduism?
    Yes. The Hindu explanation of the universe and time is more in line with actual science than Christianity.
    4. Does man need salvation?
    Yes
    5. Is Brahman knowable, without requiring complete omniscience?
    Not in Human form

  2. “1. On what basis would you accept or reject Christianity?
    The arrogance of it’s followers prove that it is not real. Compare to a Buddhist for example, and the way a Buddhist will accept any human.”

    Actually, according to the Bible, it is Christians who are the humble ones, as they have submitted themselves to God. (James 4:6; Prov. 11:2) Only Christians have worshiped the true God and have given up their arrogant excuse-making for disbelieving Him (Rom 1:20-22)

    But on what basis is pride wrong in Hinduism? Isn’t sin just “illusory”, according to Hinduism?

    “2. Is rationality possible in Hinduism?
    Yes”

    Alright, let’s hear your case.

    “3. Is there a basis for science in Hinduism?
    Yes. The Hindu explanation of the universe and time is more in line with actual science than Christianity.”
    Again, let’s hear it.

    “4. Does man need salvation?
    Yes”

    Isn’t sin just illusory? The Upanishads claim that everything is illusory.

    “5. Is Brahman knowable, without requiring complete omniscience?
    Not in Human form”
    Are you saying God cannot take human form?

  3. Five questions I would like to ask Hindus
    1. On what basis would you accept or reject Christianity?

    For the educated Hindus, Christianity is just Kindergatten infront of vast depth of Hinduism. Most of the thesis in Christianity are plagiarized, Jesus is a fake identity, and some say, the idea of trinity is derived from Hindusim. It is well known that Mitraism was a living religion of Roman having being influenced from Persians which in turn were Hindu Vedic Mitra worshipper. We all know what happened in 4th century, the Christianity of Jesus was morphed onto Roman Chrsitianity which was essentially Mitraism.

    So to answer, Hindus do not feel the urge to accept of Reject , they simply do not find it enough compared to vast philosophy of Hindusism , except to those converted ones which Missionaries are sending billions of dollars and converting Poor with a bag of rice.

    2. Is rationality possible in Hinduism? and 3) Is there a basis for science in Hinduism

    Hindus do not talk or believe in false biblical prophecy of Earth created in 7 day . The entire basis of Mathematics from zero in ALgebra, Astronomy are based from Vedas. In a little text of Hanuman Chalisa, the distance between earth and sun is well documented as “Juga shashra yojan bhanu) meaning Yuga=12000 shashra=1000 yojan=8 miles, this comes out roughly to 150000000 Km which is fairly correct.

    4) Does man need salvation?

    For Abrahmic Religions , salvation is limited to heaven and hell, But For Hindus, Salvation is Mokha, actual liberation from sins and happiness, it is beyond Maya, Purisha and Prakriti, it is merging with invisible ineffable Brahman.

    5. Is Brahman knowable, without requiring complete omniscience?
    Brahman per se is cosmic global consciousness , it is not knowable . Hence Brahman is not worshipped in Hindusim, there is no way to communicate, although Brahma, Visnu and Mahesh are close manifestation of ineffable Brahman, but still they are Devtas , although the highest.
    The only way to get to Brahman is through meditation.It was also explained in Bhagwad Geeta, told by Krishna to Arjun via Knowledge, Devotion .work(without fruits) .

    1. 1. Do you have *any* historical evidence to substantiate this? How do you the Trimurti of Hinduism is not simply a bastardized version of the Trinity? At any rate, Hinduism, does *not* teach the Trinity the way Christianity does.
      “Hindus do not feel the urge to accept of Reject” Then are you even bothering to interact with what I’m saying?

      2. and 3. What does it even mean for you to say that what the Bible says is false when Hinduism says that all logical categories are illusory?

      4. How do you know Brahman provides salvation if he’s ineffable?

      5. You just said Brahman can provide salvation, but now you’re saying he’s unknowable. If he’s identified with all of reality (which is what the Upanishads teach) then how do we know *any* fact of reality, such as your claim that Christianity is false or Hinduism is true? It’s self refuting.

    2. Aslamo Alikum, peace and blessings of God be upon the author of this article and special thanks to brother @Vedic_Aryan:disqus. Dear Vedic, I really liked your answer and I appreciate your knowledge. Since the day I have started studied Hinduism, I found, Brahman is actually Muhammad. Jesus is a son of Muhammad and Mary is a daughter of Muhammad. Vishnu, Brahama, Shiva, Ganesh all are children of Muhammad. All the things in the Heavens and Earth, cockroaches, pigs, ants, birds, butterflies, clouds, winds, oceans, air, fire, each and everything is children of Muhammad. You call Muhammad, Brahaman, it is OK for me. But we cannot know beyond Muhammad. Muhammad is created by Allah and Muhammad is zero in front of Allah, but Muhammad is Rasool of Allah, means He is a representative of Allah, it means, in front of you, me, and everyone, Muhammad is as powerful as Allah. He can do anything whatever He likes. Allah>Muhammad>All creations. This is why Quran clearly states, Muhammad is the Mercy for all Worlds. Because all worlds are created by Muhammad and Muhammad himself is created by the Allah. Suppose Ant is one of the weakest and smallest creation. The it means, in front of Allah, Muhammad is an Ant and in front of Muhammad, all the creations, this infinite big universe and your infinite mind is an Ant. All the creation exists inside the dot on Muhammad body. Allah gave the clear victory of Muhammad over all creation. Not only He is infinite in Knowledge and Wisdom, He is also infinite in Material body. And when we say, O Allah, bless Muhammad, it means, Bless everything. Thanks for reading these words. May God increase all of us in knowledge and wisdom. Amen 🙂

      1. How brahman became Mohammad, Have you gone crazy…First gather some understanding of Hindusim before incorrectly quoting them

        1. Blessings of God be upon you Anurag. Dear brother, difference of opinions is a blessing of God. So, you and me both are blessing of God. We came in this world as babies and our parents were so happy, it means we are gifts of God to this world. Please read my reply. —-

          OM means … O is the brain of M, M is Muhammad, O is Quran. So when we says, OM, we are talking about Muhammad and His brain Quran. Allah is beyond comprehension. There is nothing like Allah. The wheel starts from Muhammad and ends at Muhammad. Shiva, Jesus, you, me and everything is made by Muhammad with the power given by Allah and the power is inside the hands of Muhammad. The power is inside the mouth of Muhammad. So when Muhammad says, be light, the light gets created. Be you, you are created. Be heavens, heavens are created. Be universe, universe is created. Adam is created by the hands of Muhammad. Whatever comes to you and go back from you is from Muhammad. Everything exists because Muhammad exists. When Muhammad will be no more, all of us will be no more. No Jesus, No Moses, No Shiva, No Hanuman, Nothing. This is why Allah says, Muhammad is the Mercy for all Worlds. Because, if Allah plans to destroy Muhammad, everything will be perished. Allah does not need anything, therefore, Allah does not need anyone of us. Allah does not even need Muhammad. But when Allah planned to create Muhammad, He created all the things through the hands of Muhammad. This is why, all the worlds are getting mercy of Allah through Muhammad and Muhammad is Mercy for All Worlds. Thanks for reading my comment. God bless your heart and fill it with all joys. Happy New Year 2018 to you and all brothers and sisters around the world. Ameen. <3