Philosophy of Religion/Introduction to Philosophy: Hinduism and Open Theism

Hi friends!

Here comes the Indian (subcontinent) philosophy of the Hindi (plural for Hindu)!

In traditional, Vishnuite Hinduism (not to be confused with Hare Krisna) we find the doctrine of non-separation. When you ask what things are made out of, the Hindu (Vedic/Upanisad) response is “God”. The doctrine of nonseparation,

1. The universe is one thing
2. That thing is a person
3. That person is God

So on Hinduism God is Not separate from God’s creation. It's all just more God. Yes, everything. In the Western tradition of Theism (belief God exists) God is separate from creation. The creator is not the created. This is the Western doctrine of Separation. So the Hindu counters that we are all, each of us, a part or place within the larger totality of God. I am God, You are God, and there is exactly One God.  We are not all of God, merely some of God, just different aspects of or areas within the totality of God. This sort of view in the West is known as a version of “pantheism”. No, not bread. Pan means “All” and “theism” is “God”. So, “All God”.

The idea, as applied to open theism about knowledge, is simple; God becomes each of us to learn the advantages of limitations. This is why God spun God’s self into the many, infinite ways of limitation. In this way God learns, and in this way, God becomes and remains alive. God changes and grows in knowledge.

Quick question: Remember on the Hindu account found here, there is nothing in or about you that isn’t God. So, Are you some of God? (Remember: And nothing more?) A brief response, please, if you like.

Cheers~

Dr. Lee Basham