Misconceptions About Brahman and the Abrahamic God: Clarifying the Truth

There has been much confusion and misinformation regarding the figures from the Indian and Western religious traditions, particularly around the terms Brahman and the Abrahamic God. This article aims to clarify these misconceptions and provide a deeper understanding of the two concepts.

Understanding the Figures: Brahma and Abraham

Brahma Ji is a 'Devta' and one of the Trimurtis (Trinity) in Sanatana Dharma. He is seen as the creator aspect of the divine, responsible for bringing forth the universe. In contrast, Abraham, mentioned in the Bible, was a human being and the first patriarch of the Hebrew people. He is the founder of the Abrahamic faiths, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Debunking the Myths

Some unverified theories online propose that Abraham is the same as Brahma Ji or a Brahmin who escaped from India. These theories are baseless and result from a conflation of different religious and cultural terms. For instance, 'Brahmin' refers to the priestly class in Hindu Vedic culture, while 'Brahma' is a specific deity. 'Brahman' is the ultimate reality or the cosmic spirit in Hindu philosophy, distinct from both Brahma and the Abrahamic God. Similarly, 'Sarai,' Abraham's wife, is not to be confused with Saraswati Devi, the goddess of knowledge and arts in Hinduism.

Religious Parallels and Tensions

While the religions of Hinduism and Judaism are fundamentally different, they have shared a cultural and historical relationship. It is important to avoid speculations that suggest one religion evolved from the other. Instead, efforts should focus on studying and practicing our respective spiritual traditions with respect.

Understanding the True God: Jehovah

In the context of the Abrahamic tradition, the true God, known as Jehovah, is the creator of heaven and earth, as described in the Bible. He is often referred to as 'The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,' signifying the covenant made with these patriarchs. The term 'Abrahamic God' is an interpretation, but it is more accurate to refer to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob using His name, Jehovah.

The Name of Jehovah in the Bible

Exodus 3:14-15 and 6:3 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reveal the power and identity of this God. In Exodus 3:14-15, God tells Moses, 'I AM THAT I AM,' which later in Exodus 6:3 is translated as 'the LORD.' This clearly identifies Jehovah as the Almighty God who revealed Himself to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob through the name 'Jehovah.'

Interestingly, while the more popular King James Version (KJV) uses 'Jehovah' in certain verses, other versions like the New King James Version (NKJV) substitute 'Jehovah' with 'LORD' or 'YAH.' This change was made to avoid confusion among readers, as the term 'LORD' was often used to translate both Jehovah and Yahweh (the name of God in the Old Testament). Prior to this change, 'Jehovah' was used over 7,000 times in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of this name within the religious texts.

Conclusion

Misunderstandings and speculations about Brahman and the Abrahamic God only create divisiveness and confusion. By clarifying these misconceptions, we can foster a better understanding and respect for the rich spiritual traditions within Hinduism and the Abrahamic faiths.