Interfaith Dialogues and Christian Apologetics: Revisiting Nehemiah Nīlakaṇṭha Śāstrī Goreh’s Response to Vedantic Philosophy

Abstract

Nehemiah Nīlakaṇṭha Śāstrī Goreh’s 1862 work, initially titled Hindu Philosophical Systems: A Rational Refutation, critically examines Vedāntic philosophy from a Christian standpoint. Goreh challenges Advaita Vedānta’s monistic assertion of Brahman as the sole reality, arguing against its relegation of the world to a state of falseness. He critiques Vedānta’s lack of coherence in defining Brahman, and highlights inconsistencies in its doctrines of ignorance, liberation, and the soul. Goreh presents Christianity as a superior alternative, emphasizing God, morality, and the discernment of sin and virtue. His work remains a pivotal Christian apologetic, delineating the profound differences between Christian and Vedāntic worldviews.