Dream
Well-Known Member
A couple of years ago I came across a new book on the internet called The Emergence of Hinduism from Christianity by someone names M.M. Ninan. Not knowing much about Eastern traditions, philosophies or religions I did not know what to make of it. I saved it on my computer and promptly lost it, but I've found it again. I have been skimming it and I would appreciate some feedback from more knowledgable ones as to whether this seems like a feasable idea or what.
I think the basic idea in the book is that St. Thomas, one of the original twelve apostles visits established Jewish communities in India: Kerala, Taxila and other places (possibly in China) making converts to a gnostic form of Christianity. He also encounters Aryan Vedics, Buddhists, and Jainists. The resulting community of Christians becomes distanced from other Christian communities, embraces ideas from all the above and becomes Hinduism while non-gnostic Christians remain in contact with far away Christian communities and remain Christian in name.
Since I'm not much knowledgeable about the history, I'd like to hear some objections or get some idea of problems with this idea or if you think it sounds good or have more ideas. OK? Thanks if you have anything at all to say about it.
I think the basic idea in the book is that St. Thomas, one of the original twelve apostles visits established Jewish communities in India: Kerala, Taxila and other places (possibly in China) making converts to a gnostic form of Christianity. He also encounters Aryan Vedics, Buddhists, and Jainists. The resulting community of Christians becomes distanced from other Christian communities, embraces ideas from all the above and becomes Hinduism while non-gnostic Christians remain in contact with far away Christian communities and remain Christian in name.
Since I'm not much knowledgeable about the history, I'd like to hear some objections or get some idea of problems with this idea or if you think it sounds good or have more ideas. OK? Thanks if you have anything at all to say about it.