Dr. Elst has a materialistic bent of mind. His recent harangues about man made Vedas (versus their apaurusheya character) have been difficult to bear; it is a non-issue for Hindus while for westerners it is a centrally important because they tend to view indian traditions as theology. Elst also has a tendency to fall for propaganda about the monotheist nature of vaisnav"ism", etc, which has considerably reduced his sympathies for Hindus. In my opinion, Elst would do well to read 'the heathen' to disabuse himself of these western frameworks.
There has also been some undisciplined speculation in the past about Dr. Elst's forthcoming "U-turn" as well as some shameless blacklistling. I don't think there is any reason to doubt Dr. Elst's sincerity.
Lastly, there is also a traitorous class of arrogant brahminist scholars who are thoroughly brainwashed with western methods. They have their eyes trained on all developing fronts, including "heathen". their agenda is to further their power over the sources. Elst has merely taken their bait that they are impartial. This last class believes that "philological conclusions" should impact Hindu practices. In this they are essentially western agents.
There has also been some undisciplined speculation in the past about Dr. Elst's forthcoming "U-turn" as well as some shameless blacklistling. I don't think there is any reason to doubt Dr. Elst's sincerity.
Lastly, there is also a traitorous class of arrogant brahminist scholars who are thoroughly brainwashed with western methods. They have their eyes trained on all developing fronts, including "heathen". their agenda is to further their power over the sources. Elst has merely taken their bait that they are impartial. This last class believes that "philological conclusions" should impact Hindu practices. In this they are essentially western agents.