"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ" Mahatma Gandhi
Most of us can certainly understand why he said this. I want to look inside what it really means. Obviously, Gandhi believed in Jesus, he just did not see any of his teachings influencing people's lives.
2006-10-30 06:57:31 · 29 answers · asked by Gorgeoustxwoman2013 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Great question!!!!
In the old testament is says to stone adulterers. In the New Testament, Christ stopped the mob from stoning an adulteress by saying, let he who is without sin, throw the first stone. Why would he, equal to god, rebel against the author of the bible. It makes no sense.
Consider this:
“Religious bondage shackles and debilitates the mind and unfits it for every noble enterprise. During almost fifteen centuries, the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What have been its fruits? More or less, in all places, pride and indolence in the clergy; ignorance and servility in laity; in both, superstition, bigotry, and persecution.” – James Madison, 4th President of the United States
Humanity keeps missing the message of religion and faith, which is hope and love. The quote above is a perfect description of the Pharisees and Sanhedrin that Christ despised.
I agree with Gandhi. We know not what we believe.
2006-10-30 07:11:57 · answer #1 · answered by Cogito Sum 4 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Gandhi believed in peace and he likely found that he agreed with much of the philosophy that could be pulled out of what Jesus was saying.
If he were to have viewed the followers of Jesus while Jesus was living, he may have had a different view. For that matter, if he had been able to talk to Jesus directly, he may have had a differing view. But, instead he was trying to hold the totality of the Christian masses against an ideal as it was espoused 1800 years before his own life began. Not surprisingly, he found it lacking. People are typically self-centered. If he had the ability to view individuals within Christianity, he would have no doubt found some that he liked and agreed with.
Similarly, as he looked around at those who agreed with his point of view at the time, he was likely pleased with the progress that he saw. However, given time and looking at them en masse, no longer having a direct influence on their actions, I suppose that Gandhi would be disappointed by those who claim to follow his philosophies today.
In essence, Gandhi had an ideal that he wanted for humanity. His overall judgment was that Christians were not, as a group, living up to his ideal. I can appreciate his viewpoint and also wish for better things for humanity.
2006-10-30 15:50:29 · answer #2 · answered by MikeG 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no Gandhi did not "believe in Christ" Gandhi respected him as a peaceful man who tried to do good in this world. History as shown that Jesus talked of peace and understanding. That is what Gandhi was talking about. The pacifist Jesus who wanted the world to be a better place for all mankind.
2006-10-30 15:00:59 · answer #3 · answered by staci m 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I never heard that quote, but I feel like that all the time. I usually don't like telling people I'm a Christian, because although I don't follow any religion, per se, I believe the things Christ stood for are worthwhile pursuits. I also don't want to be confused with the "Christians" who preach to everyone about their morals.
My understanding of Christ's teaching is to basically be generous to one another with your love, empathy, time, and caring. This is something I can work at. Telling a man he is going to hell because he is gay I cannot accept, or many of the other things I hear coming from "Christians" mouths.
2006-10-30 15:05:53 · answer #4 · answered by melouofs 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Gandhi was Hindu was he not? Nice man but he did not know Jesus nor was he in contact with many Christians in India and its kind of foolish to judge a whole religion based on the actions of a few individuals. If I did I wouldn't like Hindus as there are a few corrupt individuals in my country who are Hindu.
Overall the quote is foolish but understandable, i suppose.
2006-10-30 15:04:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
To me the quote really reflects my own beliefs. I do not believe in the "Christian God" but I do think that the bible has a lot of good teachings. It just seems like more people follow those teachings who aren't christian than those that are! If most Christians followed the teachings of the bible, including ministers, preachers and priest, then the world truly would be a better world.
2006-10-30 15:14:25 · answer #6 · answered by Phaylynn 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi. Suppose for a moment the Christ were not a deity. Would you like him? Of course. Gandhi looked at Him from this perspective, I think.
2006-10-30 15:02:26 · answer #7 · answered by Cirric 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I thought about marketing a toy to be sold in Christian book stores. Selling little Christian kids Mahatma Ghandi punching bags. Teach your kids the futility of violence as they strike the Indian man of peace. Maybe its just too much of a dichotomy or a very lame joke.
2006-10-30 15:05:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gandhi had had more dealings with British Christians than he cared to remember. And it is sad to see people claim to be Christian and display every trait Jesus had warned against.
2006-10-30 15:37:26 · answer #9 · answered by a_delphic_oracle 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only way to everlasting life is through Jesus. I hope Gandhi packed his Speed Stick.
2006-10-30 15:23:22 · answer #10 · answered by Redic D 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋