This review was written by Saumya of Vitasta Publishing for the ‘books and beyond blogspot’.
I recently had the opportunity to read an upcoming book by Maria Wirth — a German author and seeker who has long written about the depth and beauty of Indian spiritual traditions. Her upcoming work is a bold, honest, and at times uncomfortable interrogation of the widespread hostility and misconceptions directed toward Hinduism — not just from the outside world, but also from within India itself.
Wirth’s central question is simple, yet profound: Why is Hinduism so hated, mocked, or dismissed — especially by those who often don’t understand it at all?
Wirth argues that Hindu Dharma has been misunderstood, misrepresented, and even demonised by three main forces: Christian missionaries, Islamic supremacists, and the global Left. The reasons range from ideological hostility and colonial hangovers to sheer ignorance. In the eyes of many critics, Hindu practices like idol worship, cow reverence, and vegetarianism are seen as primitive or irrational — even though they are rooted in a deep sense of sacredness and interdependence.
One of the most striking observations in the book is the contrast between Hindu Dharma’s inclusive nature and the exclusivist dogma of many Abrahamic faiths. Christianity and Islam often come with the threat of eternal hell for non-believers. In contrast, Hinduism holds that all paths can lead to the truth, and that spiritual experience matters more than blind belief. There’s no central authority, no forced conversions, no threats — just a lifelong journey toward self-realisation.
So why the hostility?
Wirth suggests that this very openness is seen as a threat — by those who believe only their way is right. Hindu Dharma doesn’t try to dominate, but it also doesn’t surrender. It survived invasions, colonialism, and now a culture war in its own homeland, where many English-educated Indians look down on their own traditions. Ironically, some of the harshest criticism comes from within — from those who’ve inherited the colonial mindset that anything Western is “modern,” and anything rooted in Indian tradition is “backward.”
One of Wirth’s key observations is about the asymmetry of religious tolerance. Hindus are often taught — and sincerely believe — that all religions are the same, that all paths lead to the same divine. But this generosity is rarely reciprocated. Most Abrahamic traditions explicitly reject the validity of other faiths and warn of eternal damnation for non-believers. So while Hindus grow up saying “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), they don’t realise that many others do not see them as part of that family at all.
What Maria Wirth’s book does beautifully is not just defend Hinduism — it explains it, with clarity and conviction, especially for those conditioned to see it as regressive. She urges readers to move beyond colonial hangovers and to see Sanatana Dharma as a living, breathing tradition — one that celebrates the divine in all things, embraces complexity without fear, and recognises the truth that lies within.
In a world fractured by absolutism and religious superiority, the Hindu way of seeing — through multiplicity, compassion, and inner awakening — may be exactly what the world needs most.
(end of review)
I feel that the book is good and helpful. In fact, my ‘certified secular’ editor (her own words) told me that she enjoyed reading my book and it changed her outlook…
The book is just out in Bharat.
it is available under the following links:
https://www.flipkart.com/hindu-dharma-under-attack-muslims-christians-left-collection-essays/p/itme00daf4da3fc5?pid=9788119670659
Why Hindu Dharma is Under Attack by Muslims, Christians and the Left: A Collection of Essays
https://www.vitastapublishing.com/store/new-arrivals/why-hindu-dharma-is-under-attack-by-muslims,-christians-and-the-left-a-collection-of-essays-detail
it is meanwhile also available for pre-order in USA and UK
USA: https://www.amazon.com/dp/8119670655
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/8119670655
8 Comments
Congratulations Mariaji for this new book of yours!
You always have been objective and truthful while writing about Sanatana Dharma.
The attack of Christians and Muslims on Sanatana Dharma is understandable, there is some sort of competition involved, to prove that we are the best! They are insecure, as they are fast losing their flock.The churches in the west are getting deserted and there are a good number of ex-Muslims in many countries like Iran, once a cradle of Islam.
You have rightly added the third dimension of the Left ecosystem, who in any case are totally dishonest in their approach. They peddle lies, and condemn everything about Sanatana Dharma; talk a little bit about the problems in Christianity; but when it comes to Islam, their lips get sealed completely! Not a word against it. When questioned about their hypocrisy, they would keep deflecting from the subject, and get involved in whataboutry.
The unfortunate thing is that due to historical reasons, the leftist still control a lot of educational institutions in India , despite a lot of changes by the current government at the centre. They keep distorting facts and peddling lies, influencing the young minds of India.
Sometime, I feel that the current generation of leftists are basically fundamentalist Islamists, in the garb of Communism- ‘Wolves in sheep’s clothing’!
Once again thank you for being the true champion of Sanatana Dharma! Look forward to reading this book!
Yes, you are right. I realised it only in the recent years how powerful the Left is and how detrimental for societies. Their power comes because it is global, entrenched with the Deep State agenda and endowed with sheer unlimited money. The goal is chaos everywhere and looking at Europe or Syria, it is clear, that they use Muslims to achieve their goal apart from woke-ism, feminism etc. Unfortunately, Muslims generally don’t realise that they used in a bigger game.
Absolutely timely and decisive. I am ordering the book now
the publisher made several last-minute changes in table of contents without consulting me. in chapt 39 it was a blunder. pls figure this in while reading. i had put the Quora question as title of the chapter “do Brahmins feel guilty of what they did and do to India”, but it was changed into “The Brahmin debate”, the chapt starts: this was a question on Quora…
Congratulations Maria Ji!
The criticism and attacks on Sanatana Dharma from both Christian and Muslim quarters can, to some extent, be understood as part of a broader competition — a struggle to assert religious or ideological supremacy. As traditional religious institutions, particularly in the West, witness a steady decline in followers — with churches emptying out and increasing numbers of ex-Muslims in places like Iran — there is a sense of insecurity. In such a context, other belief systems that have endured for millennia, like Sanatana Dharma, may be seen as rivals.
Adding to this dynamic is the role of the Left-leaning ideological ecosystem, which often displays a stark double standard. Many on the Left are vocally critical of Sanatana Dharma, frequently presenting it in a distorted or negative light. While they do occasionally critique aspects of Christianity, when it comes to Islam, there is a noticeable silence. Any attempt to raise questions about this imbalance is typically met with evasion, deflection, or whataboutery — rather than honest engagement.
This selective criticism and lack of intellectual honesty has created a skewed public discourse, where genuine conversation is often replaced by wrong historians.
yes, in our times, the Left seems to have the greatest power because it is basically an arm of the deep state with unlimited money. it can even influence Muslim and Christian clergy to do their bidding.
Maria ji…. thanks to your tireless journey and efforts towards Sanatana Dharma. Please keep doing it here and other foreign soils also whenever you get a chance. Be bessed by Kanchi Maha Swamy always!
thank you