ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that the Hindu Advaita Vednta tradition has the resources to fulfill these criteria. It identifies interpretations of the tradition that are unreasonable, unjust and oppressive. Pennington has documented in detail the interaction between colonial Christian missionaries and Hindu subjects that resulted in the discourse about a homogenized Hinduism'. Advaita is one of several Hindu theological traditions that look to the four Vedas as sources of authoritative teachings. The view of scripture as a source of valid knowledge helps to overcome the privatization of religious claims and the exemption of these from rational scrutiny. The Hindu tradition is not anti-materialistic or opposed to the enjoyment of life in the world. It does not condone or celebrate the life of involuntary poverty. Sensible religion cannot claim epistemological privilege and be sheltered from wider engagement with the growing body of knowledge about our universe.
