The story of Nehemiah Nilakantha Goreh is truly captivating. Born into a Hindu family in 1825, Goreh wrote texts defending his religion against Christian missionaries. Nonetheless, he underwent a spiritual crisis and eventually converted to Christianity, which resulted in a negative response from his family and community. His journey of self-discovery and spiritual transformation is one that continues to inspire and challenge individuals to this day. Join us as we explore the life and legacy of Nehemiah Goreh, a man who left behind a rich and complex spiritual legacy.
Who was Nehemiah Goreh? – Early life and education
Nehemiah Goreh was born as Nilakantha Gore, into a Marathi-speaking Brahmin family in the Kashipura village in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh in 1825. His ancestors were hereditary counselors to the ruler of Kashi, deeply involved in the spirituality and ascetic traditions of Varanasi. However, his family did not let him attend the European school in the concern that such learning might make him lose respect for the Hindu religion. Instead, Goreh privately received tutoring in grammar and Sanskrit, eventually achieving fluency in both languages.
Goreh’s studies in Sanskrit, Hindu philosophy, and Hindu scriptures helped him to excel academically. He became a renowned expert on Sanskrit. His deep knowledge of Hindu texts also equipped him to write critical analyses of Hinduism later in his life.
Encounter with Christian missionaries in India
While on his spiritual journey, Nehemiah Goreh encountered Christian missionaries actively preaching in Benares. This deeply troubled Goreh, as he felt compelled to defend his Hindu faith. In 1844, he had theological discussions with William Smith, a missionary from the Church Missionary Society. Goreh questioned Christian beliefs and presented arguments against the faith during these exchanges with Smith.
Smith presented Goreh with a copy of John Muir’s book Mataparīkṣā, a scathing critique of Hinduism that delved deep into its spiritual and philosophical aspects. The following day, Goreh wrote a letter in Hindi to Smith, laying out his objections to Christian faith, especially the part dealing with the problem of evil.
At some point between April 1844 and April 1845, Goreh wrote the Sanskrit text Śāstra-tattva-vinirṇaya, in which he which challenged Christian claims and defended Hindu beliefs. He sent a copy of this text to Muir.
In 1981, Richard Fox Young, a professor of Princeton Theological Seminary, published a work called “Resistant Hinduism: Sanskrit Sources on Anti-Christian Apologetics in Early Nineteenth-century India”. The core of this book is a study of the Mataparīksā, and three replies to it by Hindu pandits. This also includes the reply by Pandit Nilakanta Gore.
Spiritual crisis and doubts about Hindu beliefs
However, Nilakantha’s convictions underwent a significant shift. He grappled with internal doubts about Hinduism, leading him to seek answers from a pandit recommended by John Muir, a prominent missionary scholar. This intellectual dialogue, coupled with exposure to Christian texts like “Glory of Jesus Christ,” eventually led Goreh to embrace Christianity.
Accepting Christianity and facing ostracism
After being baptized and converted to Christianity in March 1848, Nehemiah Goreh had to face ostracism from his family and community. However, despite this social death, Goreh remained committed to his newfound faith. They sent his young wife, Lakshmibai, back to her father, but she later returned and converted to Christianity. Unfortunately, shortly after her baptism, she fell ill and passed away. Her death was a substantial loss to Goreh. Despite the initial pushback, Gore’s journey to Christianity contributed to religious dialogue and understanding.
Writing of critical texts on Hinduism
Nehemiah Goreh penned critiques of Hinduism after being introduced to Christian beliefs. His works included –
- Shad-darshana Darpana: Hindu philosophy examined by a Benares pandit (1860), a Hindi-language critique of Hinduism, demonstrating a rational refutation of its core beliefs.
- “Do I honestly believe in the doctrines of the Church of England which I have solemnly professed to believe by subscribing to her prayer book and articles? (1844)
- वेदांतमत का बिचार और ख्रीस्तीयमत का सार (1853, “Vedantism and the essence of Christianity “), a Hindi-language work
- Theism and Christianity (1882), reprinted as The Existence of Brahmoism itself, a Proof of the Divine Origin of Christianity (1889)
These works provided a critical perspective on Hinduism. In these texts, he questioned the prevalent practices in Hinduism and provided an alternative view of religion. His writings represented a shift from his Brahmin upbringing and demonstrated his commitment to his new faith. Through his critical texts, Nehemiah Goreh contributed to the religious dialogue and understanding between Christianity and Hinduism.
Conversion of widowed father
After Nehemiah Gore’s conversion to Christianity, his family ostracized him. However, his younger brother eventually established a close relationship with him, although he remained a Hindu pundit and did not convert. Nehemiah’s widowed father also converted to Christianity, showing that Nehemiah’s conversion had an impact on his family members. His father’s conversion also indicates that Nehemiah’s preaching and writing texts on Christianity for Hindus influenced those who were close to him.
Preaching to Hindus and writing texts on Christianity
After his conversion to Christianity, Nehemiah Goreh became actively involved in missionary activities, including preaching to Hindus and writing texts on Christianity. He aimed to enlighten his fellow Brahmins and members of the Arya Samaj about the teachings of Christianity, hoping to increase their understanding and acceptance of it.
His message did not always resonate with his audience, and he faced opposition and criticism. Despite this, Goreh continued to promote interreligious dialogue and understanding between Hindus and Christians. His efforts contributed to a growing appreciation for diversity and difference in religious thought among India’s elite.
He wrote texts such as “Christianity Explained to a Hindu” which compared Christianity to Hinduism and was compiled from various authors, including Goreh himself. Through his dedication, Goreh could contribute to the religious dialogue and understanding between the two faiths.
Contribution to religious dialogue and understanding
Goreh engaged in Christian scholarship, composing critical works like “Shad-darshana Darpana” that challenged Hinduism. He was ordained as an Anglican priest in the Church of England and joined the Society of St John the Evangelist, spending his later years in Poona. He died on 29 October 1895, leaving behind a daughter, Ellen Lakshmi Goreh, who also pursued missionary work.
Summary of Nehemiah Goreh’s spiritual journey
Nehemiah Goreh was born into a Brahmin family but chose to attend a European school against his family’s wishes. After encountering William Smith and being introduced to Christian doctrine, he began to write critical texts on Hinduism. A spiritual crisis led to his conversion to Christianity and subsequent ostracism from his family and community. Goreh went on to preach to Hindus and write texts on Christianity, contributing to religious dialogue and understanding. His legacy is that of restoring otherness to both religions, promoting honesty and respect.
Nehemiah Goreh’s life story embodies the complexities of religious conversion and the intersection of personal belief, intellectual exploration, and societal pressures in colonial India. His journey, though controversial, offers a unique perspective on the religious dynamics of the era.
