Is there a Hindu monotheism? (five lectures)

In light of Biblical and Christian reflections on monotheism (week 1), an inquiry, by way of four examples (weeks 2-6), into the nature of Hindu belief in one supreme divinity, asking whether such belief can be termed "monotheistic." No background in Hindu studies required.

Week 1: Refining the question – Biblical and Christian monotheism, Hindu traditions, and the problem of a comparative study of monotheism

Week 2: The case for Krsna and Siva as the one true God – early resources in the Bhagavad-Gita and Svetasvatara Upanisad

Week 3: No lecture.

Week 4: Narayana alone, in medieval Tamil Vaisnavism – Tiruvaymoli 4.10 and Vedanta Desika's Srimat Rahasyatrayasara c. 6.

Week 5: Is the Goddess a monotheist? Reflection on three Goddess hymns and the Devi Gita

Week 6: In dialogue with the West: Rammohun Roy and 19th century Hindu monotheisms.