What Gandhi Said About Christians

[xexon]

"I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ"

Sadly, I must agree.



x

[OldDad]

This quote is thrown around to make people believe Gandhi rejcted Christianity because of the behavior of Christians. 

Not true.

Gandhi extensively studied the Bible and concluded that Jesus was not the only begotten Son of God, that he was not raised from the dead, that he was not perfect, that he had psychic powers and that his miracles were magic.  Gandhi was not interested in the historical Jesus, but in the idea of Jesus.  Gandhi said "Jesus represents not a person, but the principle of nonviolence."

I highly recommend "Gandhi on Christianity" edited by Robert Ellsberg.

[xexon]

I don't read books anymore. Not in many years now.

I didn't mean to imply he was against Christianity, but his views are very much like my own.

The vines have grown old and produce little in the way of worthwhile fruit. Dogma and ritual does not fill the belly.

All religions suffer from this same fate after the passing of the one who inspired them. Often, a master leaves no suitable heir and the teachings become corrupted with time.

So it was with Judaism, and for this reason Jesus condemned it as the old way.

There is another level to his teachings.

One most Christians cannot yet approach.



x

[OldDad]

I see.

We have yet another neo-gnostic on the board.

OK then.

[Mere Nick]

"I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ"

Sadly, I must agree.

I agree, too.  As a Christian, I study his teachings and find myself coming up short in so many ways.  My children often don't measure up to what I teach them, either, but that doesn't bring my existence into question.

[xexon]

I adhere to no religion or belief, but I'm capable of discussing all of them. I understand their source.

I'm rather found of Jesus.

His message is not unlike my own.

Another qoute then, from the gospel of Thomas:

(113) His disciples said to him, "When will the kingdom come?"
<Jesus said,> "It will not come by waiting for it. It will not be a matter of saying 'here it is' or 'there it is.' Rather, the kingdom of the father is spread out upon the earth, and men do not see it."

I do.



x

[yesult]

This quote is thrown around to make people believe Gandhi rejcted Christianity because of the behavior of Christians. 

Not true.

Gandhi extensively studied the Bible and concluded that Jesus was not the only begotten Son of God, that he was not raised from the dead, that he was not perfect, that he had psychic powers and that his miracles were magic.  Gandhi was not interested in the historical Jesus, but in the idea of Jesus.  Gandhi said "Jesus represents not a person, but the principle of nonviolence."

I highly recommend "Gandhi on Christianity" edited by Robert Ellsberg.

Thanks for that. I've heard this one quoted to create a guilt trip as well. It's nice to hear that one ironed out. Will keep that book in mind.

[Huscarl]

I adhere to no religion or belief, but I'm capable of discussing all of them. I understand their source.

I'm rather found of Jesus.

His message is not unlike my own.

Another qoute then, from the gospel of Thomas:

(113) His disciples said to him, "When will the kingdom come?"
<Jesus said,> "It will not come by waiting for it. It will not be a matter of saying 'here it is' or 'there it is.' Rather, the kingdom of the father is spread out upon the earth, and men do not see it."

I do.

Definitely gnostic if he's bringing up the gospel of thomas....but I'd be weary of being so sure that you "see it."  If you are as enlightened as you claim, then I don't think you would be claiming it at all.  I am not saying that to be antagonistic, but to make a point

Luke 14:11

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.