विज्ञानको नजरमा वेद र बाइबल
लेखक: सुरेन्द्र गौतम र नवराज पनेरू
I
don’t remember how long ago I knew about this book. Perhaps it was during my
Bachelor’s education. I was on my journey of studying theology and apologetics.
These fields made me explore the world and get updated with the theological and
apologetic works of Christians. Once I happened to watch a video from Gohira
channel. The video was named ‘Vedas and Bible in the lights of science’
published in Aug. 27, 2017.[1] I was
troubled by this book.
I
met a really supportive friend in my journey who was a ‘promoter’ in my life.
Let me not mention his name. We bought this book during our first visit to Nepali
apologist Kamal Adhikari. My friend read some portion of this book then I
borrowed from him. I found the book can truly be troublesome for new believers
or those who hold on simple faith Christianity.
Some points that I observed:
- The author always used Sanskrit language to explain Hindu scripture but never Greek, Aramaic and Hebrew in case of the Bible. This is called Plain Text Reading or Low Context reading theologically.
- The Hindu texts have been interpreted on basis of their cultural context but the Bible is pushed aside its periphery.
- Fascinating, dubious and doubtful shlokas in Hindu texts have been defended in light of figures of speech such as symbolic language, allegory, metaphor etc. whereas such verses from the Bible has been taken literally.
- Relevant Biblical verses have been neglected and interpreted beyond the context.
- The meaning of many issues in Hindu religion that has been considered controversial is explained for convincing people e.g. many wives of Krishna, meaning of Shiva Lingam, etc. Why then these things not taught to current generation? The same message goes to Christians as well those who ponder their extreme hatred and mockery towards Hindu worldview.
- They didn't explore the intended theological theme and purpose of the scripture in quest of finding scientific errors but they did these things with their scripture.
- They explained Christology in light of their philosophy (Like Father and I am One as atman-brahman concept etc.) which is called syncretism error in theological area.
- They ignored phenomenological, anthropomorphic and anthropocentric usage of literature in the Bible. E.g. the Moon has light.
- They included certain practical events regarding church issues and famous quotes and ideologies of critics. This can be said association, slippery slope and correlation fallacy. All religions have such premise.
- They have neglected hermeneutical principles of interpreting the Bible.
Hence, their analysis cannot be said as a genuine
analysis.
(Note: this piece of writing, included in italics, is
copied from the friend who also has a good expertise in this area. “Name not
important”)
One thing is to be noted: either Christians or other
religions shouldn't link their books and explain it in the light of Science
since the result will be bad theology and pseudo-science. I've seen Christians
who argue with unbelievers like "Your science proves our Bible."
Nothing could be further from the truth. Science isn't on side of any religious
textbook because the idea of religion is beyond the scope of science.
That being said, the dishonesty of the author is
clearly seen in this work. It seems as if this book is written to disprove
bible. Now Christian has done the same. Misused science to prove bible. So even
if our Christian community is planning to respond to this book let us remind
ourselves that not everything in Hindu texts are necessarily false and not
everything that is described in the Bible should necessarily agree with science.
We must learn to embrace good things even from opposition side as well.
(This is my own analysis which is independent in
influence from the above piece of writing. If ideas seem to get matched, there
is nothing like ‘Plagiarism’ but merely we both have been in same field of
study and conclusion.)
Usually every religious text claim to have scientific
facts in it but has many weird sounding statements too. It is better for
religious community not to take support of science to prove themselves as
inspired texts. Any fictional work, stories etc. can also have scientific facts
in it.
Next, science and religion are very different areas.
If religion is expected to provide scientific answers, what is then purpose of
science? we don't ask Vedas, Bible, or Quran how chloroform is made in the lab.
It's a question to be asked in chemistry. We don't ask what ghost, spirit and
angels are, what's the purpose of life, what's our identification and why we
are here etc. to science. It’s all about philosophical discussion. Hence,
science and religion are very different departments.
So, theists people, no matter of which religion,
should not claim that their scripture has all science and mysteries revealed. Science
explores the world. Scriptures are merely tool used by God to communicate
humanity. It has a different purpose. However, the clash between science and
religion will never end since people don't want to accept and submission to
higher powerful being (This may not be true in Atheism!). They want independence
from divine being. Scientific community will always bring up something to
oppose religious views. It’s not faults of science but desperate fallen humanity.
Thank you
Response by Nepali apologist Kamal Adhikari: Click here!
[1]
Gohira, Vedas and Bible in the Lights
of Science // विज्ञानको नजरमा वेद र बाइबल, 2017, accessed June 28, 2022,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mruM6BOviVo.
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