Gandhi and Christ: What Did Jesus Mean to Gandhi?

 

Article Title: Gandhi and Christ: What Did Jesus Mean to Gandhi?
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Category (key words): Gandhi, Jesus, Christianity, faith, peace, pursuit of peace, beliefs, spiritual, spiritual unity, religion, unity of religion/s, spiritual growth
Web Sites: http://www.geocities.com/orthopapism/gandhi.html + http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080620072944AAmRmHq
Submitter’s web sites http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lockhttp://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and http://goo.gl/vTpjk

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://peacepursuit.wordpress.com/

www.sharefaith.wordpress.com

http://breakdownwalls.wordpress.com/

www.breakdownbarriers.wordpress.com

http://drmartinlutherking.wordpress.com/

www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com

www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

www.religiousunity.wordpress.com

and his various other blogs are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com/2013/09/28/craigs-blogs-and-writings/. Obsessive or WHAT!

Other Articles by Craig are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig

Publishing Guidelines:
All my writings may be freely published, electronically or in print.

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”

*

GANDHI AND CHRIST

Submitter’s Note:

Craig is studying the teachings of different religions and faiths (to attempt to find ‘common ground’/principles) and as he learns from his research, is sharing these notes in the spirit of ‘enlightening’ (himself and perhaps others) regarding ‘eternal and universal truths.’ Hope this piece may be of interest to you too (as well as perhaps promoting more understanding of other faiths…as in sharing, I learn too!

*

What did Jesus mean to Gandhi? Did he have any influence on Gandhi’s life and teaching? What according to Gandhi was the essence of Christ’s message? Was Gandhi a ‘secret Christian’? What is the challenge that Gandhi presents to Christians and Christianity today?

Answers to these questions may be found in a recent book, ‘Gandhi and Christianity’ edited by Robert Ellsberg and published by Orbis Books, Maryknoll, New York 10545. This book is an anthology of the speeches and writings of Gandhi on the subject as well as responses to Gandhi’s challenge by various Christian scholars. It should be a valuable reference book on the ongoing dialogue between Christians and representatives of other religions.

Early in his life, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi had been reading the Bible to keep a promise he had made to a friend. He found the Old Testament extremely difficult going. He disliked the Book of Numbers. But the New Testament produced a different impression, especially the Sermon on the Mount which went straight to his heart. The passion of Jesus Christ moved Gandhi greatly. The verses about not resisting evil but offering the other cheek and giving the cloak to one who asked for one’s coat delighted him beyond measure. They reminded him about something he had learned in his childhood about returning with gladness good for evil done.

“I did once seriously think of embracing the Christian faith“, Gandhi told Millie Polak, the wife of one of his earliest disciples. “The gentle figure of Christ, so patient, so kind, so loving, so full of forgiveness that he taught his followers not to retaliate when abused or struck, but to turn the other cheek, I thought it was a beautiful example of the perfect man…”

However, on another occasion, he said he could accept Jesus “as a martyr, an embodiment of sacrifice, and a divine teacher, but not as the most perfect man ever born. His death on the Cross was a great example to the world, but that there was anything like a mysterious or miraculous virtue in it, my heart could not accept”.

“The message of Jesus as I understand it”, said Gandhi, “is contained in the Sermon on the Mount unadulterated and taken as a whole… If then I had to face only the Sermon on the Mount and my own interpretation of it, I should not hesitate to say, ‘Oh, yes, I am a Christian.’ But negatively I can tell you that in my humble opinion, what passes as Christianity is a negation of the Sermon on the Mount… I am speaking of the Christian belief, of Christianity as it is understood in the west.”

Gandhi could speak beautifully about the message and personality of Jesus. Talking about the Gospel passage of the rich young man, he said, “St. Mark has vividly described the scene. Jesus is in his solemn mood. He is earnest. He talks about eternity. He knows the world about him. He is himself the greatest economist of his time. He succeeded in sermonising time and space – He transcends them. It is to him at the best that one comes running, kneels down and asks, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said unto him, “One thing thou lackest. Go thy way, sell what thou hast and give it to the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven – come, take up the cross and follow me.” Here you have an eternal rule of life stated in the noblest words the English language is capable of producing.” Gandhi went on to say that he could quote even stronger passages from the Hindu scriptures and the lesson he wanted to draw was that if we could clean our houses, palaces an

Poverty, suffering, the Cross, non-violence, morality – all these were part of the Kingdom of God. But for Gandhi what struck him most in the Sermon on the Mount was Christ’s teaching on non-retaliation, or non-resistance to evil. “Of all the things I have read what remained with me forever was that Jesus came almost to give a new law – not an eye for an eye, but to receive two blows when only one was given, and to go two miles when they were asked to go one. I came to see that the Sermon on the Mount was the whole of Christianity for him who wanted to live a Christian life. It is that sermon that has endeared Jesus to me.”

“Jesus occupies in my heart,” said Gandhi, “the place of one of the greatest teachers who have had a considerable influence on my life. I shall say to the Hindus that your life will be incomplete, unless you reverentially study the teachings of Jesus… Make this world the kingdom of God and his righteousness and everything will be added unto you. I tell you that if you will understand, appreciate, and act up to the spirit of this passage, you won’t need to know what place Jesus or any other teacher occupies in your heart.”

For Gandhi, Jesus was the prince of ‘Satyagrahists’.* “The example of Jesus suffering is a factor in the composition of my undying faith in non-violence. What then does Jesus mean to me? To me, He was one of the greatest teachers humanity has ever had.” For Gandhi, to say that Jesus was the only begotten son of God was to say that “in Jesus’ own life was the key of his nearness to God, that he expressed as no other could, the spirit and will of God… I do believe that something of the spirit that Jesus exemplified in the highest measure, in its most profound human sense exist… If I did not believe it, I should be a sceptic, and to be a sceptic is to live a life that is empty and lacking moral content. Or, what is the same thing, to condemn the human race to a negative end.”

* I think the word literally means ‘soul-force’

Gandhi believed that in every man there was an impulse for good and a compassion that is the spark of divinity, that will one day burst into the full flower that is the hope of all mankind. An example of this flowering, he said, may be found in the figure and in the life of Jesus. “I refuse to believe that there not exists or has ever existed a person that has not made use of his example to lessen his sins, even though he may have done so without realising it. The lives of all have, in some greater or lesser degree, been changed by His presence, His actions and the words spoken by His divine voice… I believe that he belongs not solely to Christianity, but to the entire world; to all races and people, it matters little under what flag, name or doctrine they may work, profess a faith or worship a God inherited from their ancestors.”

For Gandhi Jesus was the true ‘satyagrahist’, who passed the test of non-violence, even if he seemed to be otherwise a failure. “The virtues of mercy, non-violence, love and truth in any man can be truly tested when they are pitted against ruthlessness, violence, hate and untruth… This is the true test of Ahimsa… He who when being killed bears no anger against his murderer and even asks God to forgive him is truly non-violent. History relates this of Jesus Christ. With his dying breath on the Cross, he is reported to have said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what to do.”

According to the theory of ‘Satyagraha’, said Gandhi, an adequate appeal to the heart never fails. “Seeming failure is not of the law of ‘Satyagraha’, but of incompetence of the ‘Satyagrahist’ by whatever cause induced. The name of Jesus at once comes to the lips. It is an instance of brilliant failure. And he has been acclaimed in the west as the prince of passive resisters. I showed years ago in South Africa that the adjective ‘passive’ was a misnomer, at least as applied to Jesus. He was the most active resister known perhaps to history. His was non-violence par excellence.”

This article was directly sourced from http://www.geocities.com/orthopapism/gandhi.html + http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080620072944AAmRmHq

(and I’m sharing these thoughts and ideas in a spirit of in some small way, promoting better understanding and dialogue between faiths…or at least trying (thanks!).

Also see an excellent article/link at https://sites.google.com/site/whoisthisjesus/gandhiandchristianity

“My life is my message.” – Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi

“Ï love Christ, but am not so keen on his followers.” and/or “I would have been a follower of Christ, if it weren’t for the Christians!”

(Apparently, Gandhi was kicked out of a church during his time in South Africa)

Gandhi greatly admired Christ; God is not a religion. God is love. Religious tradition is the enemy of true spirituality. Seek God and shun religion. It is the only path to true peace with God.

“Religion divides; whereas truth unites.”

So after all that…

Isn’t WHAT UNITES US IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN WHAT DIVIDES US!

“There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity.”

Find, then walk your OWN path to Highest Truth and be happy

Shared by craig

“I would like the British (military) to leave India as friends.”

PS: Former Archbishop in South Africa Desmond Tutu said these inspirational words: “We have come to a time in the history of the world, where we need to rediscover the path to peace, and the path to peace can never be war. This pathway is lined with the concept of co-existence and co-inhabitance of the world.”

“A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long supressed, finds utterance.”

– Jahrulal Nehru, first Prime Minister of India

“It is time for people of good will from every faith, culture and nation to recognise that a terrible danger threatens humanity. We must set aside the partisan bickering between nations and join together to confront the danger that lies before us. Let us seek common ground between peoples around the globe… because what unites us is far more important than what divides us.

In our own little ways in our individual lives we can touch so many others and share our common humanity. And in so doing we can illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity. We must offer a compelling alternate vision for the world: a bright future of justice, tolerance, respect for other traditions and values and especially a vision of goodness and hope fuelled by the flame of love – one that banishes the fanatical ideology of intolerance and hatred to the darkness from which it emerged.”

– craig (as inspired by and adapted from the words of Abdurahman Wahid, former President of Indonesia)

About the submitter:

Craig likes (no loves) to share information and insights to encourage others to be all they are capable of being. He’d love to try to ‘build bridges’ (not metal or wooden ones, thank goodness!) between people, firmly believing that what we share is way more important than what divides us. In his life mission Craig hopes to encourage, motivate and inspire people to be their best through realising their full potentials and live their very best lives. He believes in the great potential of every human being in the journey of life and loves to encourage people to share their individual (and guiding) spirits, so that they become all that they are CAPABLE of being

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lockhttp://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and http://goo.gl/vTpjk

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://peacepursuit.wordpress.com/ www.sharefaith.wordpress.com

http://breakdownwalls.wordpress.com/

www.breakdownbarriers.wordpress.com

http://drmartinlutherking.wordpress.com/

www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com

www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

www.religiousunity.wordpress.com

and his various other blogs are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com/2013/09/28/craigs-blogs-and-writings/. Obsessive or WHAT!

“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.”

~ Franz Kafka

Craig’s new manuscript, ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: In it he attempts to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, turbulent and uncertain world. A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.

“A good book should take you from your everyday life to another place entirely.”

These thoughts may be published, electronically or in print (with acknowledgment to the source web sites, thanks)

“What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.”

“Live simply, so that others may simply live.” – Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi once said to a group of missionaries: “You Christians look after a document containing enough dynamite to blow all civilisation to pieces, turn the world upside down and bring peace to a battle-torn planet. BUT you treat it as nothing more than a piece of literature.”

When the missionary E. Stanley Jones met with Gandhi he asked him, “Mr. Gandhi, though you quote the words of Christ often, why is that you appear to so adamantly reject becoming his follower?”

Gandhi replied, “Oh, I don’t reject Christ. I love Christ. It’s just that so many of you Christians are so unlike Christ.”

“If Christians would really live according to the teachings of Christ, as found in the Bible, all of India would be Christian today,” he added.

from http://in.christiantoday.com/articledir/print.htm?id=2837

For more reading on Mahatma Gandhi and Christianity

See http://in.christiantoday.com/articledir/print.htm?id=2837 and

Gandhi’s message to Christians

Click on http://www.mkgandhi.org/africaneedsgandhi/gandhi%27s_message_to_christians.htm

“Let us look in the mirror of history*, heeding its lessons, then hold hands will all peoples in facing and heralding in a better future, a brighter tomorrow for all peoples around the globe.”

-craig

* that’s a metaphor, btw

“Whilst we can (and should) celebrate our uniquenesses, let not our different beliefs set us apart as human beings, but rather let the Spirit of our shared humanity be what defines and unites us as common citizens of our planet.”

“Lord,

Help lift our eyes a little higher.”

Gandhi and Christ: What Did Jesus Mean to Gandhi?

Article Title: Gandhi and Christ: What Did Jesus Mean to Gandhi?
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Category (key words): Gandhi, Jesus, Christianity, faith, peace, pursuit of peace, beliefs, spiritual, spiritual unity, religion, unity of religion/s, spiritual growth
Web Sites: http://www.geocities.com/orthopapism/gandhi.html + http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080620072944AAmRmHq
Submitter’s web Sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://goo.gl/vTpjk and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://nzwriter.blogtown.co.nz/http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com/2013/09/28/craigs-blogs-and-writings/ www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com and www.religiousunity.wordpress.com .

Other Articles by Craig are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig

Publishing Guidelines:
All my writings may be freely published, electronically or in print.

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”

*

GANDHI AND CHRIST

Submitter’s Note:

Craig is studying the teachings of different religions and faiths (to attempt to find ‘common ground’/principles) and as he learns from his research, is sharing these notes in the spirit of ‘enlightening’ (himself and perhaps others) regarding ‘eternal and universal truths.’ Hope this piece may be of interest to you too (as well as perhaps promoting more understanding of other faiths…as in sharing, I learn too!

* What did Jesus mean to Gandhi? Did he have any influence on Gandhi’s life and teaching? What according to Gandhi was the essence of Christ’s message? Was Gandhi a ‘secret Christian’? What is the challenge that Gandhi presents to Christians and Christianity today?

Answers to these questions may be found in a recent book, ‘Gandhi and Christianity’ edited by Robert Ellsberg and published by Orbis Books, Maryknoll, New York 10545. This book is an anthology of the speeches and writings of Gandhi on the subject as well as responses to Gandhi’s challenge by various Christian scholars. It should be a valuable reference book on the ongoing dialogue between Christians and representatives of other religions.

Early in his life, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi had been reading the Bible to keep a promise he had made to a friend. He found the Old Testament extremely difficult going. He disliked the Book of Numbers. But the New Testament produced a different impression, especially the Sermon on the Mount which went straight to his heart. The passion of Jesus Christ moved Gandhi greatly. The verses about not resisting evil but offering the other cheek and giving the cloak to one who asked for one’s coat delighted him beyond measure. They reminded him about something he had learned in his childhood about returning with gladness good for evil done.

“I did once seriously think of embracing the Christian faith“, Gandhi told Millie Polak, the wife of one of his earliest disciples. “The gentle figure of Christ, so patient, so kind, so loving, so full of forgiveness that he taught his followers not to retaliate when abused or struck, but to turn the other cheek, I thought it was a beautiful example of the perfect man…”

However, on another occasion, he said he could accept Jesus “as a martyr, an embodiment of sacrifice, and a divine teacher, but not as the most perfect man ever born. His death on the Cross was a great example to the world, but that there was anything like a mysterious or miraculous virtue in it, my heart could not accept”.

“The message of Jesus as I understand it”, said Gandhi, “is contained in the Sermon on the Mount unadulterated and taken as a whole… If then I had to face only the Sermon on the Mount and my own interpretation of it, I should not hesitate to say, ‘Oh, yes, I am a Christian.’ But negatively I can tell you that in my humble opinion, what passes as Christianity is a negation of the Sermon on the Mount… I am speaking of the Christian belief, of Christianity as it is understood in the west.”

Gandhi could speak beautifully about the message and personality of Jesus. Talking about the Gospel passage of the rich young man, he said, “St. Mark has vividly described the scene. Jesus is in his solemn mood. He is earnest. He talks about eternity. He knows the world about him. He is himself the greatest economist of his time. He succeeded in sermonising time and space – He transcends them. It is to him at the best that one comes running, kneels down and asks, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said unto him, “One thing thou lackest. Go thy way, sell what thou hast and give it to the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven – come, take up the cross and follow me.” Here you have an eternal rule of life stated in the noblest words the English language is capable of producing.” Gandhi went on to say that he could quote even stronger passages from the Hindu scriptures and the lesson he wanted to draw was that if we could clean our houses, palaces an

Poverty, suffering, the Cross, non-violence, morality – all these were part of the Kingdom of God. But for Gandhi what struck him most in the Sermon on the Mount was Christ’s teaching on non-retaliation, or non-resistance to evil. “Of all the things I have read what remained with me forever was that Jesus came almost to give a new law – not an eye for an eye, but to receive two blows when only one was given, and to go two miles when they were asked to go one. I came to see that the Sermon on the Mount was the whole of Christianity for him who wanted to live a Christian life. It is that sermon that has endeared Jesus to me.”

“Jesus occupies in my heart,” said Gandhi, “the place of one of the greatest teachers who have had a considerable influence on my life. I shall say to the Hindus that your life will be incomplete, unless you reverentially study the teachings of Jesus… Make this world the kingdom of God and his righteousness and everything will be added unto you. I tell you that if you will understand, appreciate, and act up to the spirit of this passage, you won’t need to know what place Jesus or any other teacher occupies in your heart.”

For Gandhi, Jesus was the prince of ‘Satyagrahists’.* “The example of Jesus suffering is a factor in the composition of my undying faith in non-violence. What then does Jesus mean to me? To me, He was one of the greatest teachers humanity has ever had.” For Gandhi, to say that Jesus was the only begotten son of God was to say that “in Jesus’ own life was the key of his nearness to God, that he expressed as no other could, the spirit and will of God… I do believe that something of the spirit that Jesus exemplified in the highest measure, in its most profound human sense exist… If I did not believe it, I should be a sceptic, and to be a sceptic is to live a life that is empty and lacking moral content. Or, what is the same thing, to condemn the human race to a negative end.”

* I think the word literally means ‘soul-force’

Gandhi believed that in every man there was an impulse for good and a compassion that is the spark of divinity, that will one day burst into the full flower that is the hope of all mankind. An example of this flowering, he said, may be found in the figure and in the life of Jesus. “I refuse to believe that there not exists or has ever existed a person that has not made use of his example to lessen his sins, even though he may have done so without realising it. The lives of all have, in some greater or lesser degree, been changed by His presence, His actions and the words spoken by His divine voice… I believe that he belongs not solely to Christianity, but to the entire world; to all races and people, it matters little under what flag, name or doctrine they may work, profess a faith or worship a God inherited from their ancestors.”

For Gandhi Jesus was the true ‘satyagrahist’, who passed the test of non-violence, even if he seemed to be otherwise a failure. “The virtues of mercy, non-violence, love and truth in any man can be truly tested when they are pitted against ruthlessness, violence, hate and untruth… This is the true test of Ahimsa… He who when being killed bears no anger against his murderer and even asks God to forgive him is truly non-violent. History relates this of Jesus Christ. With his dying breath on the Cross, he is reported to have said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what to do.”

According to the theory of ‘Satyagraha’, said Gandhi, an adequate appeal to the heart never fails. “Seeming failure is not of the law of ‘Satyagraha’, but of incompetence of the ‘Satyagrahist’ by whatever cause induced. The name of Jesus at once comes to the lips. It is an instance of brilliant failure. And he has been acclaimed in the west as the prince of passive resisters. I showed years ago in South Africa that the adjective ‘passive’ was a misnomer, at least as applied to Jesus. He was the most active resister known perhaps to history. His was non-violence par excellence.”

This article was directly sourced from http://www.geocities.com/orthopapism/gandhi.html + http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080620072944AAmRmHq

(and I’m sharing these thoughts and ideas in a spirit of in some small way, promoting better understanding and dialogue between faiths…or at least trying (thanks!).

“My life is my message.” – Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi

“Ï love Christ, but am not so keen on his followers.” and/or “I would have been a follower of Christ, if it weren’t for the Christians!”

(Apparently, Gandhi was kicked out of a church during his time in South Africa)

Gandhi greatly admired Christ; God is not a religion. God is love. Religious tradition is the enemy of true spirituality. Seek God and shun religion. It is the only path to true peace with God.

“Religion divides; whereas truth unites.”

So after all that…

Isn’t WHAT UNITES US IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN WHAT DIVIDES US!

“There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity.”

Find, then walk your OWN path to Highest Truth and be happy

Shared by craig

“I would like the British (military) to leave India as friends.”

PS: Former Archbishop in South Africa Desmond Tutu said these inspirational words: “We have come to a time in the history of the world, where we need to rediscover the path to peace, and the path to peace can never be war. This pathway is lined with the concept of co-existence and co-inhabitance of the world.”

“A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long supressed, finds utterance.”

– Jahrulal Nehru, first Prime Minister of India

“It is time for people of good will from every faith, culture and nation to recognise that a terrible danger threatens humanity. We must set aside the partisan bickering between nations and join together to confront the danger that lies before us. Let us seek common ground between peoples around the globe… because what unites us is far more important than what divides us.

In our own little ways in our individual lives we can touch so many others and share our common humanity. And in so doing we can illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity. We must offer a compelling alternate vision for the world: a bright future of justice, tolerance, respect for other traditions and values and especially a vision of goodness and hope fuelled by the flame of love – one that banishes the fanatical ideology of intolerance and hatred to the darkness from which it emerged.”

– craig (as inspired by and adapted from the words of Abdurahman Wahid, former President of Indonesia)

About the submitter:

Craig likes (no loves) to share information and insights to encourage others to be all they are capable of being. He’d love to try to ‘build bridges’ (not metal or wooden ones, thank goodness!) between people, firmly believing that what we share is way more important than what divides us. In his life mission Craig hopes to encourage, motivate and inspire people to be their best through realising their full potentials and live their very best lives. He believes in the great potential of every human being in the journey of life and loves to encourage people to share their individual (and guiding) spirits, so that they become all that they are CAPABLE of being

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock + www.lulu.com/craiglock

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://nzwriter.blogtown.co.nz/http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com/2013/09/28/craigs-blogs-and-writings/ www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com and www.religiousunity.wordpress.com .

Craig’s new manuscript, ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: In it he attempts to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, turbulent and uncertain world. A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.

“A good book should take you from your everyday life to another place entirely.”

These thoughts may be published, electronically or in print (with acknowledgment to the source web sites, thanks)

“What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.”

“Live simply, so that others may simply live.” – Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi once said to a group of missionaries: “You Christians look after a document containing enough dynamite to blow all civilisation to pieces, turn the world upside down and bring peace to a battle-torn planet. BUT you treat it as nothing more than a piece of literature.”

When the missionary E. Stanley Jones met with Gandhi he asked him, “Mr. Gandhi, though you quote the words of Christ often, why is that you appear to so adamantly reject becoming his follower?”

Gandhi replied, “Oh, I don’t reject Christ. I love Christ. It’s just that so many of you Christians are so unlike Christ.”

“If Christians would really live according to the teachings of Christ, as found in the Bible, all of India would be Christian today,” he added.

 

from http://in.christiantoday.com/articledir/print.htm?id=2837

For more reading on Mahatma Gandhi and Christianity

See http://in.christiantoday.com/articledir/print.htm?id=2837 and

Gandhi’s message to Christians

Click on http://www.mkgandhi.org/africaneedsgandhi/gandhi%27s_message_to_christians.htm

“Let us look in the mirror of history*, heeding its lessons, then hold hands will all peoples in facing and heralding in a better future, a brighter tomorrow for all peoples around the globe.”

-craig

 

“Lord,

Help lift our eyes a little higher.”

 

* that’s a metaphor, btw

Gandhi and Christ: What Did Jesus Mean to Gandhi?

 

Article Title: Gandhi and Christ: What Did Jesus Mean to Gandhi?
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Category (key words): Gandhi, Jesus, Christianity, faith, peace, pursuit of peace, beliefs, spiritual, spiritual unity, religion, unity of religion/s, spiritual growth
Web Sites: http://www.geocities.com/orthopapism/gandhi.html + http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080620072944AAmRmHq
Submitter’s web Sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://goo.gl/vTpjk and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com www.religiousunity.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.

Other Articles by Craig are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig
Publishing Guidelines:
All my writings may be freely published, electronically or in print.
“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”

*

GANDHI AND CHRIST

Submitter’s Note:

Craig is studying the teachings of different religions and faiths (to attempt to find ‘common ground’/principles) and as he learns from his research, is sharing these notes in the spirit of ‘enlightening’ (himself and perhaps others) regarding ‘eternal and universal truths.’ Hope this piece may be of interest to you too (as well as perhaps promoting more understanding of other faiths…as in sharing, I learn too!

* What did Jesus mean to Gandhi? Did he have any influence on Gandhi’s life and teaching? What according to Gandhi was the essence of Christ’s message? Was Gandhi a ‘secret Christian’? What is the challenge that Gandhi presents to Christians and Christianity today?

Answers to these questions may be found in a recent book, ‘Gandhi and Christianity’ edited by Robert Ellsberg and published by Orbis Books, Maryknoll, New York 10545. This book is an anthology of the speeches and writings of Gandhi on the subject as well as responses to Gandhi’s challenge by various Christian scholars. It should be a valuable reference book on the ongoing dialogue between Christians and representatives of other religions.

Early in his life, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi had been reading the Bible to keep a promise he had made to a friend. He found the Old Testament extremely difficult going. He disliked the Book of Numbers. But the New Testament produced a different impression, especially the Sermon on the Mount which went straight to his heart. The passion of Jesus Christ moved Gandhi greatly. The verses about not resisting evil but offering the other cheek and giving the cloak to one who asked for one’s coat delighted him beyond measure. They reminded him about something he had learned in his childhood about returning with gladness good for evil done.

“I did once seriously think of embracing the Christian faith“, Gandhi told Millie Polak, the wife of one of his earliest disciples. “The gentle figure of Christ, so patient, so kind, so loving, so full of forgiveness that he taught his followers not to retaliate when abused or struck, but to turn the other cheek, I thought it was a beautiful example of the perfect man…”

However, on another occasion, he said he could accept Jesus “as a martyr, an embodiment of sacrifice, and a divine teacher, but not as the most perfect man ever born. His death on the Cross was a great example to the world, but that there was anything like a mysterious or miraculous virtue in it, my heart could not accept”.

“The message of Jesus as I understand it”, said Gandhi, “is contained in the Sermon on the Mount unadulterated and taken as a whole… If then I had to face only the Sermon on the Mount and my own interpretation of it, I should not hesitate to say, ‘Oh, yes, I am a Christian.’ But negatively I can tell you that in my humble opinion, what passes as Christianity is a negation of the Sermon on the Mount… I am speaking of the Christian belief, of Christianity as it is understood in the west.”

Gandhi could speak beautifully about the message and personality of Jesus. Talking about the Gospel passage of the rich young man, he said, “St. Mark has vividly described the scene. Jesus is in his solemn mood. He is earnest. He talks about eternity. He knows the world about him. He is himself the greatest economist of his time. He succeeded in sermonising time and space – He transcends them. It is to him at the best that one comes running, kneels down and asks, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said unto him, “One thing thou lackest. Go thy way, sell what thou hast and give it to the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven – come, take up the cross and follow me.” Here you have an eternal rule of life stated in the noblest words the English language is capable of producing.” Gandhi went on to say that he could quote even stronger passages from the Hindu scriptures and the lesson he wanted to draw was that if we could clean our houses, palaces an

Poverty, suffering, the Cross, non-violence, morality – all these were part of the Kingdom of God. But for Gandhi what struck him most in the Sermon on the Mount was Christ’s teaching on non-retaliation, or non-resistance to evil. “Of all the things I have read what remained with me forever was that Jesus came almost to give a new law – not an eye for an eye, but to receive two blows when only one was given, and to go two miles when they were asked to go one. I came to see that the Sermon on the Mount was the whole of Christianity for him who wanted to live a Christian life. It is that sermon that has endeared Jesus to me.”

“Jesus occupies in my heart,” said Gandhi, “the place of one of the greatest teachers who have had a considerable influence on my life. I shall say to the Hindus that your life will be incomplete, unless you reverentially study the teachings of Jesus… Make this world the kingdom of God and his righteousness and everything will be added unto you. I tell you that if you will understand, appreciate, and act up to the spirit of this passage, you won’t need to know what place Jesus or any other teacher occupies in your heart.”

For Gandhi, Jesus was the prince of ‘Satyagrahists’.* “The example of Jesus suffering is a factor in the composition of my undying faith in non-violence. What then does Jesus mean to me? To me, He was one of the greatest teachers humanity has ever had.” For Gandhi, to say that Jesus was the only begotten son of God was to say that “in Jesus’ own life was the key of his nearness to God, that he expressed as no other could, the spirit and will of God… I do believe that something of the spirit that Jesus exemplified in the highest measure, in its most profound human sense exist… If I did not believe it, I should be a sceptic, and to be a sceptic is to live a life that is empty and lacking moral content. Or, what is the same thing, to condemn the human race to a negative end.”

* I think the word literally means ‘soul-force’

Gandhi believed that in every man there was an impulse for good and a compassion that is the spark of divinity, that will one day burst into the full flower that is the hope of all mankind. An example of this flowering, he said, may be found in the figure and in the life of Jesus. “I refuse to believe that there not exists or has ever existed a person that has not made use of his example to lessen his sins, even though he may have done so without realising it. The lives of all have, in some greater or lesser degree, been changed by His presence, His actions and the words spoken by His divine voice… I believe that he belongs not solely to Christianity, but to the entire world; to all races and people, it matters little under what flag, name or doctrine they may work, profess a faith or worship a God inherited from their ancestors.”

For Gandhi Jesus was the true ‘satyagrahist’, who passed the test of non-violence, even if he seemed to be otherwise a failure. “The virtues of mercy, non-violence, love and truth in any man can be truly tested when they are pitted against ruthlessness, violence, hate and untruth… This is the true test of Ahimsa… He who when being killed bears no anger against his murderer and even asks God to forgive him is truly non-violent. History relates this of Jesus Christ. With his dying breath on the Cross, he is reported to have said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what to do.”

According to the theory of ‘Satyagraha’, said Gandhi, an adequate appeal to the heart never fails. “Seeming failure is not of the law of ‘Satyagraha’, but of incompetence of the ‘Satyagrahist’ by whatever cause induced. The name of Jesus at once comes to the lips. It is an instance of brilliant failure. And he has been acclaimed in the west as the prince of passive resisters. I showed years ago in South Africa that the adjective ‘passive’ was a misnomer, at least as applied to Jesus. He was the most active resister known perhaps to history. His was non-violence par excellence.”

This article was directly sourced from http://www.geocities.com/orthopapism/gandhi.html + http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080620072944AAmRmHq

(and I’m sharing these thoughts and ideas in a spirit of in some small way, promoting better understanding and dialogue between faiths…or at least trying (thanks!).

“My life is my message.” – Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi

“Ï love Christ, but am not so keen on his followers.” and/or “I would have been a follower of Christ, if it weren’t for the Christians!”

(Apparently, Gandhi was kicked out of a church during his time in South Africa)

Gandhi greatly admired Christ; God is not a religion. God is love. Religious tradition is the enemy of true spirituality. Seek God and shun religion. It is the only path to true peace with God.

“Religion divides; whereas truth unites.”

So after all that…

Isn’t WHAT UNITES US IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN WHAT DIVIDES US!

“There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity.”

Find, then walk your OWN path to Highest Truth and be happy

Shared by craig

“I would like the British (military) to leave India as friends.”

PS: Former Archbishop in South Africa Desmond Tutu said these inspirational words: “We have come to a time in the history of the world, where we need to rediscover the path to peace, and the path to peace can never be war. This pathway is lined with the concept of co-existence and co-inhabitance of the world.”

“A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long supressed, finds utterance.”

– Jahrulal Nehru, first Prime Minister of India

“It is time for people of good will from every faith, culture and nation to recognise that a terrible danger threatens humanity. We must set aside the partisan bickering between nations and join together to confront the danger that lies before us. Let us seek common ground between peoples around the globe… because what unites us is far more important than what divides us.

In our own little ways in our individual lives we can touch so many others and share our common humanity. And in so doing we can illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity. We must offer a compelling alternate vision for the world: a bright future of justice, tolerance, respect for other traditions and values and especially a vision of goodness and hope fuelled by the flame of love – one that banishes the fanatical ideology of intolerance and hatred to the darkness from which it emerged.”

– craig (as inspired by and adapted from the words of Abdurahman Wahid, former President of Indonesia)

About the submitter:

Craig likes (no loves) to share information and insights to encourage others to be all they are capable of being. He’d love to try to ‘build bridges’ (not metal or wooden ones, thank goodness!) between people, firmly believing that what we share is way more important than what divides us. In his life mission Craig hopes to encourage, motivate and inspire people to be their best through realising their full potentials and live their very best lives. He believes in the great potential of every human being in the journey of life and loves to encourage people to share their individual (and guiding) spirits, so that they become all that they are CAPABLE of being

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://goo.gl/vTpjk and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

The submitter’s blog (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.

Craig’s new manuscript, ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: In it he attempts to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, turbulent and uncertain world. A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.

“A good book should take you from your everyday life to another place entirely.”

These thoughts may be published, electronically or in print (with acknowledgment to the source web sites, thanks)

“What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.”

“Live simply, so that others may simply live.” – Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi once said to a group of missionaries: “You Christians look after a document containing enough dynamite to blow all civilisation to pieces, turn the world upside down and bring peace to a battle-torn planet. BUT you treat it as nothing more than a piece of literature.”

When the missionary E. Stanley Jones met with Gandhi he asked him, “Mr. Gandhi, though you quote the words of Christ often, why is that you appear to so adamantly reject becoming his follower?”Gandhi replied, “Oh, I don’t reject Christ. I love Christ. It’s just that so many of you Christians are so unlike Christ.”

“If Christians would really live according to the teachings of Christ, as found in the Bible, all of India would be Christian today,” he added.

from http://in.christiantoday.com/articledir/print.htm?id=2837

For more reading on Mahatma Gandhi and Christianity

See http://in.christiantoday.com/articledir/print.htm?id=2837 and

Gandhi’s message to Christians

Click on http://www.mkgandhi.org/africaneedsgandhi/gandhi%27s_message_to_christians.htm

“Let us look in the mirror of history*, heeding its lessons, then hold hands will all peoples in facing and heralding in a better future, a brighter tomorrow for all peoples around the globe.”

-craig

“Lord,

Help lift our eyes a little higher.”

* that’s a metaphor, btw

“THE RELIGION OF ISLAM”: A Comparison Of Islam And Christianity

Article Title: “THE RELIGION OF ISLAM”: A Comparison Of Islam And Christianity
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Category (key words/tags): Islam, The Koran, Christianity, religion(s), faith, beliefs, religious tolerance, spiritual unity, unity of religions

Web site: http://executableoutlines.com/islam/islam_05.htm

Submitter’s web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html
Craig’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com.wordpress.comwww.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com http://religiousunity.wordpress.comwww.peacepursuit.wordpress.com http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)

Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig )

Publishing Guidelines:
All my articles may be freely published. If tghis article is published, please acknowledge the source, thanks. As I share, I learn myself.

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”

#

“THE RELIGION OF ISLAM”

A Comparison Of Islam And Christianity

Sourced from: http://executableoutlines.com/islam/islam_05.htm

INTRODUCTION

1. In previous studies, we have directed our focus on Islam…

a. The beginnings and early history of Islam

b. The origin, importance and content of the Qur’an

c. The faith and practices of Islam

d. The issue as to whether Islam is a religion of peace

2. It may be beneficial to look at Islam in comparison with Christianity…

a. What might they have in common?

b. How do they differ on fundamental issues?

[In this study, we shall consider what the two religions believe on various issues as we seek to gain a better understanding of Islam. We begin with…]

I. GOD

A. ISLAM…

1. Teaches there is one God – Qur’an 3:64

2. Rejects the concept of the Trinity

B. CHRISTIANITY…

1. Teaches there is one God – 1Co 8:6

2. Reveals that the Godhead is composed of three distinct personalities – Father, Son, Holy Spirit; one in essence and substance – cf. Jn 1:1-5; Php 2:5-8; 2Jn 9; Mt 28:19

[Closely related to any concept of God is one’s view regarding…]

II. JESUS

A. ISLAM…

1. Considers Jesus a prophet, like Noah, Abraham, Moses (and Muhammad)

2. Rejects the divinity of Jesus, denies his pre-existence – Qur’an 4:171

3. Believes in the virgin birth, however

4. Does not believe Jesus died on the cross nor was raised from the dead – Qur’an 4:157

B. CHRISTIANITY…

1. Declares that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God – Mt 16:13-18

2. Teaches the pre-existence of Christ – Jn 1:1-5; Col 1:16-17

3. Proclaims that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and was raised from the dead

[What one believes regarding Jesus certainly has a bearing on one’s understanding of…]

III. SALVATION

A. ISLAM…

1. Salvation comes by works

2. Personal righteousness is weighed against personal sin, which ever is greater determines salvation – Qur’an 23:101-103

3. A Muslim can be forgiven by repenting of sin – Qur’an 39:53-54

4. Paradise is assured for one who dies as a martyr for Islam

5. One becomes a Muslim by confessing “There is no other god but God; and Muhammad is the Prophet of God” (la ilaha ill’Allah, Muhammad rasul Allah) from the heart

B. CHRISTIANITY…

1. Salvation is by grace through an obedient faith – Ep 2:8-9; Ti 3:4-7

2. Jesus died on the cross as atonement for our sins – Ro 3:21-26

3. He is the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him – He 5:9

4. Those whose names are in the Lamb’s book of life will be spared condemnation – Re 20:11-15

5. One becomes a Christian by:

a. Believing that Christ died for your sins – Jn 8:24; Ro 10: 9-10

b. Repenting of your sins – Ac 2:38; 17:30-31

c. Confessing your faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God – Mt 10:32,33; Ro 10:9-10

d. Being baptized into Christ for the remission of your sins

– Mt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Ac 2:38; 22:16; Ro 6:3-6; Ga 3:27;

Col 2:11-13; Tit 3:5; 1Pe 3:21

[Doctrines pertaining to salvation are naturally related to views pertaining to…]

IV. ETERNAL JUDGMENT

A. ISLAM…

1. Believes in a resurrection of the dead and judgment at the Last Day

2. Paradise for the faithful, served by beautiful virgins – Qur’an 56:1-38

3. Hell for unbelievers, with eternal torment – Qur’an 56:39-56

B. CHRISTIANITY…

1. Believes in a resurrection of the dead and judgment at the Last Day

2. The eternal City, New Jerusalem, in the new heavens and new earth for those whose name is in the Lamb’s book of life

– Re 21:1-7,9-27; 22:1-5

3. The lake of fire for the unbelieving and wicked – Re 20:15; 21:8

[What one believes about God, Jesus, salvation and the judgment depends heavily upon what one considers to be…]

V. THE WORD OF GOD

A. ISLAM…

1. Believes in 4 inspired books – the Torah (5 books of Moses),

Zabur (the Psalms), lnjil (the Gospel), and Qur’an

2. The first three have been corrupted; the Qur’an provides the final revelation of God’s Word

B. CHRISTIANITY…

1. Believes Old and New Testaments contains the revelation of God’s Word – 2Ti 3:16-17

2. Believes that God’s Word cannot be corrupted, but is preserved

– 1Pe 1:23-25; Mt 24:35; Isa 40:8

3. Believes that revelation of God’s Word is fully and finally revealed – 2Pe 1:3; Jude 3

[It is of interest to note some of the differences in the two religion regarding…]

VI. PRAYER, FASTING, AND WORSHIP

A. ISLAM…

1. Has set times to offer prayers (five times per day)

2. Has set periods and procedures in which to fast (the month of Ramadan)

3. Places emphasis on ceremonial rituals such as washings, posture in prayer

B. CHRISTIANITY…

1. Calls for fervent and steadfast prayer, with no set times proscribed – 1Th 5:17; Col 4:2

2. Has a place for fasting, but left up to the individual – Mt 6:

16-18; Ac 13:2-3; 14:23

3. Places emphasis upon the spiritual aspect of worship – Jn 4:

23-24; Ep 5:19; Col 3:16

[A major difference between Islam and Christianity in spreading their faiths involve the issues of…]

VII. WAR AND VENGEANCE

A. ISLAM…

1. Allows war and vengeance for self-defense against persecution

2. Allows use of war in promoting the faith against unbelievers and idolaters

B. CHRISTIANITY…

1. Forbids war and vengeance when persecuted for righteousness’ sake – Mt 5:10-12,38-48

2. Forbids use of war to promote the cause of Christ and the gospel – 2Co 10:3-5

[Some other differences between the two faiths relate to…]

VIII. MORALS

A. ISLAM…

1. Forbids alcohol and gambling – Qur’an 5:93-94

2. Forbids eating pork

3. Allows up to four wives, may divorce and remarry them twice – Qur’an 2:229

B. CHRISTIANITY…

1. Forbids drunkenness, covetousness, and other “works of the flesh” – Ga 5:19-21

2. Allows all foods, if received with thanksgiving and prayer

– 1Ti 4:4-5 (with the exception of drinking blood and eating animals that were strangled, Ac 15:20,29; 21:25)

3. Teaches monogamy, divorce only for fornication – Mt 19:9; 1Co 7:2

[Both religions distinguish between the role of men and women, though with important differences…]

IX. TREATMENT OF WOMEN

A. ISLAM…

1. Men have more rights than women – Qur’an 2:228

2. Women do not attend public prayers at the Mosque

3. A husband may punish a wife by withholding what is due, and then beat her if necessary – Qur’an 4:34

B. CHRISTIANITY…

1. Men and women are fellow heirs of the grace of life – 1Pe 3:7; Ga 3:28-29

2. Women do not have leadership roles in the church – 1Co 11:3; 14:34-37; 2Ti 2:11-12

3. Forbids withholding what is due, and requires treating the wife with tenderness and understanding – 1Co 7:3-5; 1Pe 3:7

CONCLUSION

1. This has not been an exhaustive comparison between Islam and Christianity…

a. It has been a simple examination at some of the more notable features of comparison

b. Undoubtedly, many other similarities and differences could be noted

2. In considering such comparisons, one should note the following caveat…

a. Islam contains many different sects; not all professing Muslims might agree with some of the representations of Islamic beliefs made in this comparison

b. In a similar vein, not all professing Christians may agree with what has been offered as that which Christianity teaches

But perhaps this comparison can serve as a starting point in identifying key issues for discussions between Muslims and Christians who seek to better understand one another’s faiths….

Sourced from http://executableoutlines.com/islam/islam_05.htm

#

To end off… I love these inspiring words, so will share with you…

“It is time for people of good will from every faith and nation to recognise that a terrible danger threatens humanity. We must set aside our international and partisan bickering and join to confront the danger that lies before us. Our goal must be to illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity, and offer a compelling alternate vision for the world: a bright future that banishes the fanatical ideology of intolerance and hatred to the darkness from which it emerged.”

– Abdurrahman Wahid, former President of Indonesia, in the ‘Wall Street Journal’

Former Archbishop Desmond Tutu: “We have come to a time in the history of the world, where we need to rediscover the path to peace, and the path to peace can never be war. This pathway is lined with the concept of co-existence and co-inhabitance of the world.”

“A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long supressed, finds utterance.”

– Jahrulal Nehru, first Prime Minister of India (1947)

I hope that this information may be of interest to you (as it is to me)…
Those of us who long for (and are passionate about) the ideals of moderation and religious tolerance will continue to hope for a better understanding of complex issues between people of different cultures and faiths through reasoned and ‘informed’ dialogue in a spirit of mutual tolerance and respect. God’s greatest gift to us is to find, then follow our own truths. We can ALL nurture the real values common to ALL humanity: those highest ideals of tolerance, righteousness, justice, mercy and respect for all of life must surely triumph.

“Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one’s own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.”

– John F. Kennedy

With UNDERSTANDING comes TOLERANCE and with TOLERANCE comes MORE UNDERSTANDING.

So Let each one of us in our own ‘little ways’ attempt to build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of openness, acceptance of our differences, helpfulness, co-operation, mutual tolerance, respect, trust, peace and especially in a spirit of love, the most powerful force in existence. Let our leaders and each ONE of us look at the future with a vision – to see things not as they are, but what they could one day become. What divides us as fellow citizens on planet earth is not nearly as powerful as the force, the divine spirit that UNITES us: The Spirit of God, the Ultimate Source that let’s us accept and even celebrate our differences … and let’s the Love of humanity within EACH one of us to conquer anything at all.

Shared by craig (“Information and Inspiration Distributer, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder… and a ‘passionate moderate’ for religious tolerance”)

“People fight and die for religion but they seldom LIVE for religion”.

– Jahrulal Nehru, former Prime Minister of India”

“God’s greatest gift to us is allowing us to find, then choose to follow our own truths.”

“The greatest good we can do for others is reveal the rich treasure inside themselves; so shine your own bright light on an often darkened world… with the highest level of humanity …and have great fun along the journey of life.”

“Peace. it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”
– author unknown

“There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity.”

“Let each one of us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of acceptance, helpfulness, co-operation and peace. Let our leaders look at the future with a vision – to see things not as they are, but what they could one day become.”

“When people’s hearts are filled with love, the world is full of hope” – craig

About the submitter:
In his various writings Craig strives in some small way to break down and economic, social, cultural and religious barriers. Craig believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share in the form of our common humanity is way more important than what divides us.

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at www.creativekiwis.com/index.php/books/74-craigs-books http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock + www.lulu.com/craiglock

Craig is currently writing true stories of life in the Middle East. And as he writes, is posting extracts on his new WordPress blogs.

Craig’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com.wordpress.comwww.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com http://religiousunity.wordpress.comwww.peacepursuit.wordpress.com http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstores”

“Let not our different beliefs set us apart as human beings, but rather let our shared humanity be what defines and unites us as common citizens of our planet.”

“Instead of the limits of borders (of countries and of our minds) let us and our leaders expand our sense of possibility… and together let’s look at building bridges to distant horizons, far and great. Lord, help us all lift our eyes a little higher.”

Together, one mind, one heart, one life at a time, let’s plant the seeds, the hope of a better and brighter future.

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED, electronically or in print

“God is leading us to the light. What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light

May the Grace of our loving Creator care for and watch over you all… always

 

Sharing Some Information on Some Major Religions of the World

Article Title: Sharing Some Information on Some Major Religions of the World
Submitter: Craig Lock
Category (key words): religion, religions, religious tolerance, religious unity, faith, beliefs, spirituality, spiritual unity, unity of religion(s)

Web sites:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig )
Publishing Guidelines:
These writings (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”

#

SHARING SOME INFORMATION ON SOME OF THE MAJOR RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD

INTRODUCTION: Craig is studying the teachings of different religions (to find ‘common ground’/principles) and as he learns from his research, is sharing these notes in an attempt to ‘enlighten’ (himself and perhaps others). Hope this piece may be of interest to you too.

HINDUISM

The Four Holy Truths: There is pain and suffering in the world – like birth, death, sickness, old age. Root cause of suffering is DESIRE. Karma is conscious action that has spiritual results. Karma consists of a persons acts and their ethical consequences + universal justice, a kind of natural moral law, rather than through a system of divine judgement. The struggle and suffering decreases as the individual acquires merit and wisdom during their life. Release from suffering. Nirvana is a complete detachment from desires and final nirvana is attained at death. Hindus renounce worldly desires. (Release = moksha)

The 8-fold path:
right
· views
· resolve
· speech
· behaviour
· occupation
· effort
· contemplation and
· meditation.
People attain a state of perfection. Through self effort one can attain the state of peace and eternal peace called Nirvana. Buddha ignored the worship of Gods, but did not deny their existence. What was important to Buddha was not the worship of Gods or of himself, but the following of his teachings. Nirvana is not a place like heaven, but a state of being. It’s eternal – the end of suffering – no desires and individual consciousness comes to an end. It’s more of a moral philosophy, an ethical way of life.
#
BAHAI

The nature of God is completely unknowable – he/she/it is transcendent to the point of total inaccessibility. Prophets are teachers – not saviours. God cannot incarnate himself and reveal himself to man. Therefore Jesus cannot be God. Jesus is seen as one of God’s manifestations sent to human beings to assist in our spiritual evolution. The raising of the body of Jesus was actually the coming to life of Christ’s teachings in the disciples, the restoration of their beliefs and conviction.

BAHAI work for world peace and believe in freedom of expression.

#
MORMONS:
Definition of the Trinity as 3 separate individuals, God the Father and Jesus Christ being physical persons united in purpose; also a belief that human beings, can, if they live the commandments of God to the full, attain the status of godhood in future aeons.

#*

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

The main purpose of Jesus coming to earth was to let it be known that he is supreme and exercises sovereignty over the universe. Salvation is only for those who believe in Jesus.
#
MUSLIMS (ISLAM)

Muslims regard the Koran as the speech of God to Mohammed, mediated by Gabriel, the Angel of Revelation. They believe that God himself, not Mohammed, is the author and therefore that the Koran is infallible. Collection of passages revealed in his prophetic life – 610-632. 114 chapters. Earliest teachings – one transcendent and personal God. Last Judgement and social and personal justice. God, he asserted, had sent prophets to other nations throughout history; but having failed to reform, these nations had been destroyed. Mohamed was the last prophet. Monotheistic. Well ordered, harmonious whole – everything has its proper place and limitations. God presides over and governs the universe, which with its orderly functioning, is the primary sign and proof of God and His unity. Mohammed’s miracle is the Koran, the like of which no human can produce. Last Judgement:

The “successful ones” will go to the Garden (heaven) and the “losers” (the evil) will go to hell; although God is merciful and will forgive those who deserve forgiveness. Besides the last judgment, which will be on individuals, the Koran recognizes another kind of divine judgement, which is meted out in history to nations, peoples and communities. Nations, like individuals, may be corrupted by wealth, power and pride, and, unless they reform, these nations are punished by being destroyed or subjugated by more virtuous nations. Islamic Beliefs: ONE God. Thus it’s a monotheistic religion. Muhammad proclaimed that Allah alone is God and that other idols were not to be worshipped. Muslims believe that the faith of Christianity has been corrupted and reject the Christian concept of the Trinity. They believe in angels, who are sinless. God’s messages were brought directly to Muhammad by Gabriel. God is believed to be too exalted to speak directly with men. Belief in God’s prohets: Adam, Noah, Abraham, etc. The Koran is believed to be the exact revelation of God to humanity. Koran is believed to have taken the place of all previous revelations of God’s will – only the Koran is considered binding. A trumpet sounds – the dead will be raised and judged for their deeds – going to paradise or hell. Only those who die as martyrs slain in the battle for Islam are considered to be granted immediate access to paradise.* (see Christianity below). Prosperous and evil nations will ultimately be destroyed by God. “Islam” means surrender or submission to the will of God. Muhammad was closest to God, so his example is to be followed. Muslims believe in and honour many of the prophets of the Old Testament. But they also say that the Bible must have been corrupted; because it points out the errant behaviour of these prophets, and since no prophet of God would ever err, the Bible must be wrong. Muslims have high respect for Jesus, but the view that Jesus is divine or the son of God is, to them, the highest blasphemy. The Koran says that God is not a man, therefore he cannot have a son. He would never stoop to enter our world. Story of Christ’s death reinforces their belief that the Bible has been corrupted over the years.

Basic tenets – the 5 pillars of Islam:
· Confession of faith
· Ritual prayer
* Obligatory alms – ‘zakat’ to help those less fortune
· The holy fast of Ramadan: a time where there is no smoking, drinking, swearing, anger, sex – use month of fasting to draw closer to God and renew their spiritual strength.
· Pilgrimage to Mecca, the “Hajj”. Every Muslim who is not sick and can afford must complete. It is a time when all are deemed equal before God, regardless of social or financial position. As part of their purification process, participation heightens their social status.

Mohamed was a prophet, yet he never performed a miracle. He was not a mystic; he had no formal schooling, consequently Mohamed had no gift with words. In addition, he did not begin his mission till he was age 40. The impetus for the rise and raid spread of Islam was three-fold: Based upon the power of words, the efficacy of prayer and man’s kinship with God.
Mohamed observed the decline of Christianity into warring sects (it’s the same today!). The archangel Gabriel appeared to him and said that he was to be the Messenger for God. Mohamed had invited the Jews and Christians to join him, for he was not building a new religion – Mohamed was calling all who believed in ONE GOD to join in a single faith….
but that vision never materialised, as the Jews and Christians did not want to pursue that path.

Mohamed’s legacy is that of persistence. Because after he had been preaching for ten years, he had nothing to show for it: but banishment, poverty and ridicule. Yet before another ten years had passed, he headed the rise of a new religion out of the Arabian desert, a faith spreading rapidly westwards, a flame which would not be extinguished.
Persistence changes the course of history

From ‘The Last Great Prophet’
Reviewed by Thomas Sugrue (as published in ‘Think and Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill)
#
CHRISTIANITY

Christianity and Islam are missionary religions. Both faiths believe they have a monopoly over the truth. Both want to share their version of truth with others and both compete in seeking converts. However, there is a fundamental doctrinal incompatibility between the major faiths of Islam and Christianity. Together with the Jews, they worship the God of Abraham. These three religions have many prophets in common and consequently have “shared values” that have shaped societies over the past two millenia.

Most “informed” Christians, however, do not believe the Koran is the un-intermediated word of God. Simply put, the faith of Christianity exists solely on the basis that Jesus Christ is the ‘son of God’*; whereas the faith of Islam exists purely on the basis that God dictated his laws to Mohammed and that the Koran contains God’s actual words.
* (And Christians may take this literally or “metaphorically”, symbolically, depending on their interpretation).

The concept of salvation (instant) coming purely through faith in Christ and not because of one’s life works is unique to Christianity (because there is no guarantee of salvation with Islam…unless one dies as a martyr). It’s the notion of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), which Islam and rationalists find to be the most implausible aspect of Christianity.

This debate of religions is really a battle of ideas, a ‘clash of ideologies and civilisations between east and west’. Catholic Cardinal Ratzinberger once said: “Islam simply does not have the separation of the political and religious spheres which Christianity had from the very beginning. The Koran… insists that the whole order of life be Islamic. One must understand that Islam is not simply a denomination that can be included in the free realm of a pluralistic society.” True Muslims cannot accept either the separation of powers or the freedom under the law which are the hallmarks of Western civilisation. *

* From an article in ‘The Independent’ by Dominic Lawson.

*
A few personal thoughts to end off..

Everybody’s truth is different, because our experiences, our environments, our cultures, our life paths are different. So every person’s faith is different (even the state of having NO faith). Finally, perhaps no religion can ever represent the Absolute Truth (because ‘Absolute Truth’ has a degree of subjectivity – at least I believe so!). Rather, religions can be different paths to the same Truth, with God, Infinite Spirit, the Grand Designer, the Essence of Life at the centre. (Like spokes leading to the hub, the Ultimate Source of Life). It’s up to YOU to CHOOSE your set of beliefs, those which fit best with YOUR truth, your being.

I am motivated to share these sets of beliefs, these “eternal truths” with others, so people may benefit and enhance their lives in a meaningful way…if they so CHOOSE. I hope that this information may be of interest to you… and that’s my reason for sharing.

With UNDERSTANDING comes TOLERANCE
and
with TOLERANCE comes UNDERSTANDING.

Shared by Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributer, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder… and a ‘passionate moderate’ for religious tolerance”)

“There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity.”

“Let each one of us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls.
Let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of acceptance, helpfulness, co-operation and peace.
Let our leaders look at the future with a vision – to see things not as they are,
but what they could one day become.”
– craig

“Someday, after we have mastered the winds, the waves, the tide and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love. Then, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”
– Teilhard De Chardin

“”God’s greatest gift to us is allowing us to find, then choose to follow our own truths.”

“When people’s hearts are filled with love, the world is full of hope” – craig

“Instead of the limits of borders (of countries and of our minds) let us and our leaders expand our sense of possibility… and together let’s look at building bridges to distant horizons, far and great. Lord, help us all lift our eyes a little higher.”

Together, one mind, one heart, one life at a time, let’s plant the seeds, the hope of a better and brighter future.

This piece may be freely published, electronically or in print

About the submitter:
In his various writings Craig strives in some small way to break down and economic, social, cultural and religious barriers. Craig believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share in the form of our common humanity is way more important than what divides us.
The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com.wordpress.comwww.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.comwww.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.comwww.breakdownwalls.wordpress.comhttp://religiousunity.wordpress.comwww.peacepursuit.wordpress.comhttp://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)

Together, one mind, one heart, one life, one small step at a time, let’s plant the seeds, the hope of a better and brighter future.

Gandhi and Christ: What Did Jesus Mean to Gandhi?

Article Title: Gandhi and Christ: What Did Jesus Mean to Gandhi?
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Category (key words): Gandhi, Jesus, Christianity, faith, peace, pursuit of peace, beliefs, spiritual, spiritual unity, religion, unity of religion/s, spiritual growth
Web Sites: http://www.geocities.com/orthopapism/gandhi.html + http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080620072944AAmRmHq
Submitter’s web Sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://goo.gl/vTpjk and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com www.religiousunity.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.

Other Articles by Craig are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig

Publishing Guidelines:
All my writings may be freely published, electronically or in print.
“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”

*

GANDHI AND CHRIST

Submitter’s Note:

Craig is studying the teachings of different religions and faiths (to attempt to find ‘common ground’/principles) and as he learns from his research, is sharing these notes in the spirit of ‘enlightening’ (himself and perhaps others) regarding ‘eternal and universal truths.’ Hope this piece may be of interest to you too (as well as perhaps promoting more understanding of other faiths…as in sharing, I learn too!

* What did Jesus mean to Gandhi? Did he have any influence on Gandhi’s life and teaching? What according to Gandhi was the essence of Christ’s message? Was Gandhi a ‘secret Christian’? What is the challenge that Gandhi presents to Christians and Christianity today?

Answers to these questions may be found in a recent book, ‘Gandhi and Christianity’ edited by Robert Ellsberg and published by Orbis Books, Maryknoll, New York 10545. This book is an anthology of the speeches and writings of Gandhi on the subject as well as responses to Gandhi’s challenge by various Christian scholars. It should be a valuable reference book on the ongoing dialogue between Christians and representatives of other religions.

Early in his life, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi had been reading the Bible to keep a promise he had made to a friend. He found the Old Testament extremely difficult going. He disliked the Book of Numbers. But the New Testament produced a different impression, especially the Sermon on the Mount which went straight to his heart. The passion of Jesus Christ moved Gandhi greatly. The verses about not resisting evil but offering the other cheek and giving the cloak to one who asked for one’s coat delighted him beyond measure. They reminded him about something he had learned in his childhood about returning with gladness good for evil done.

“I did once seriously think of embracing the Christian faith“, Gandhi told Millie Polak, the wife of one of his earliest disciples. “The gentle figure of Christ, so patient, so kind, so loving, so full of forgiveness that he taught his followers not to retaliate when abused or struck, but to turn the other cheek, I thought it was a beautiful example of the perfect man…”

However, on another occasion, he said he could accept Jesus “as a martyr, an embodiment of sacrifice, and a divine teacher, but not as the most perfect man ever born. His death on the Cross was a great example to the world, but that there was anything like a mysterious or miraculous virtue in it, my heart could not accept”.

“The message of Jesus as I understand it”, said Gandhi, “is contained in the Sermon on the Mount unadulterated and taken as a whole… If then I had to face only the Sermon on the Mount and my own interpretation of it, I should not hesitate to say, ‘Oh, yes, I am a Christian.’ But negatively I can tell you that in my humble opinion, what passes as Christianity is a negation of the Sermon on the Mount… I am speaking of the Christian belief, of Christianity as it is understood in the west.”

Gandhi could speak beautifully about the message and personality of Jesus. Talking about the Gospel passage of the rich young man, he said, “St. Mark has vividly described the scene. Jesus is in his solemn mood. He is earnest. He talks about eternity. He knows the world about him. He is himself the greatest economist of his time. He succeeded in sermonising time and space – He transcends them. It is to him at the best that one comes running, kneels down and asks, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said unto him, “One thing thou lackest. Go thy way, sell what thou hast and give it to the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven – come, take up the cross and follow me.” Here you have an eternal rule of life stated in the noblest words the English language is capable of producing.” Gandhi went on to say that he could quote even stronger passages from the Hindu scriptures and the lesson he wanted to draw was that if we could clean our houses, palaces an

Poverty, suffering, the Cross, non-violence, morality – all these were part of the Kingdom of God. But for Gandhi what struck him most in the Sermon on the Mount was Christ’s teaching on non-retaliation, or non-resistance to evil. “Of all the things I have read what remained with me forever was that Jesus came almost to give a new law – not an eye for an eye, but to receive two blows when only one was given, and to go two miles when they were asked to go one. I came to see that the Sermon on the Mount was the whole of Christianity for him who wanted to live a Christian life. It is that sermon that has endeared Jesus to me.”

“Jesus occupies in my heart,” said Gandhi, “the place of one of the greatest teachers who have had a considerable influence on my life. I shall say to the Hindus that your life will be incomplete, unless you reverentially study the teachings of Jesus… Make this world the kingdom of God and his righteousness and everything will be added unto you. I tell you that if you will understand, appreciate, and act up to the spirit of this passage, you won’t need to know what place Jesus or any other teacher occupies in your heart.”

For Gandhi, Jesus was the prince of ‘Satyagrahists’.* “The example of Jesus suffering is a factor in the composition of my undying faith in non-violence. What then does Jesus mean to me? To me, He was one of the greatest teachers humanity has ever had.” For Gandhi, to say that Jesus was the only begotten son of God was to say that “in Jesus’ own life was the key of his nearness to God, that he expressed as no other could, the spirit and will of God… I do believe that something of the spirit that Jesus exemplified in the highest measure, in its most profound human sense exist… If I did not believe it, I should be a sceptic, and to be a sceptic is to live a life that is empty and lacking moral content. Or, what is the same thing, to condemn the human race to a negative end.”

* I think the word literally means ‘soul-force’

Gandhi believed that in every man there was an impulse for good and a compassion that is the spark of divinity, that will one day burst into the full flower that is the hope of all mankind. An example of this flowering, he said, may be found in the figure and in the life of Jesus. “I refuse to believe that there not exists or has ever existed a person that has not made use of his example to lessen his sins, even though he may have done so without realising it. The lives of all have, in some greater or lesser degree, been changed by His presence, His actions and the words spoken by His divine voice… I believe that he belongs not solely to Christianity, but to the entire world; to all races and people, it matters little under what flag, name or doctrine they may work, profess a faith or worship a God inherited from their ancestors.”

For Gandhi Jesus was the true ‘satyagrahist’, who passed the test of non-violence, even if he seemed to be otherwise a failure. “The virtues of mercy, non-violence, love and truth in any man can be truly tested when they are pitted against ruthlessness, violence, hate and untruth… This is the true test of Ahimsa… He who when being killed bears no anger against his murderer and even asks God to forgive him is truly non-violent. History relates this of Jesus Christ. With his dying breath on the Cross, he is reported to have said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what to do.”

According to the theory of ‘Satyagraha’, said Gandhi, an adequate appeal to the heart never fails. “Seeming failure is not of the law of ‘Satyagraha’, but of incompetence of the ‘Satyagrahist’ by whatever cause induced. The name of Jesus at once comes to the lips. It is an instance of brilliant failure. And he has been acclaimed in the west as the prince of passive resisters. I showed years ago in South Africa that the adjective ‘passive’ was a misnomer, at least as applied to Jesus. He was the most active resister known perhaps to history. His was non-violence par excellence.”

This article was directly sourced from http://www.geocities.com/orthopapism/gandhi.html + http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080620072944AAmRmHq

(and I’m sharing these thoughts and ideas in a spirit of in some small way, promoting better understanding and dialogue between faiths…or at least trying (thanks!).

“My life is my message.” – Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi

“Ï love Christ, but am not so keen on his followers.” and/or “I would have been a follower of Christ, if it weren’t for the Christians!”

(Apparently, Gandhi was kicked out of a church during his time in South Africa)

Gandhi greatly admired Christ; God is not a religion. God is love. Religious tradition is the enemy of true spirituality. Seek God and shun religion. It is the only path to true peace with God.

“Religion divides; whereas truth unites.”

So after all that…

Isn’t WHAT UNITES US IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN WHAT DIVIDES US!

“There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity.”

Find, then walk your OWN path to Highest Truth and be happy

Shared by craig

“I would like the British (military) to leave India as friends.”

PS: Former Archbishop in South Africa Desmond Tutu said these inspirational words: “We have come to a time in the history of the world, where we need to rediscover the path to peace, and the path to peace can never be war. This pathway is lined with the concept of co-existence and co-inhabitance of the world.”

“A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long supressed, finds utterance.”

– Jahrulal Nehru, first Prime Minister of India

“It is time for people of good will from every faith, culture and nation to recognise that a terrible danger threatens humanity. We must set aside the partisan bickering between nations and join together to confront the danger that lies before us. Let us seek common ground between peoples around the globe… because what unites us is far more important than what divides us.

In our own little ways in our individual lives we can touch so many others and share our common humanity. And in so doing we can illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity. We must offer a compelling alternate vision for the world: a bright future of justice, tolerance, respect for other traditions and values and especially a vision of goodness and hope fuelled by the flame of love – one that banishes the fanatical ideology of intolerance and hatred to the darkness from which it emerged.”

– craig (as inspired by and adapted from the words of Abdurahman Wahid, former President of Indonesia)

About the submitter:

Craig likes (no loves) to share information and insights to encourage others to be all they are capable of being. He’d love to try to ‘build bridges’ (not metal or wooden ones, thank goodness!) between people, firmly believing that what we share is way more important than what divides us. In his life mission Craig hopes to encourage, motivate and inspire people to be their best through realising their full potentials and live their very best lives. He believes in the great potential of every human being in the journey of life and loves to encourage people to share their individual (and guiding) spirits, so that they become all that they are CAPABLE of being

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://goo.gl/vTpjk and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

The submitter’s blog (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.

Craig’s new manuscript, ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: In it he attempts to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, turbulent and uncertain world. A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.

“A good book should take you from your everyday life to another place entirely.”

These thoughts may be published, electronically or in print (with acknowledgment to the source web sites, thanks)

“What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.”

Gandhi and Christ: What Did Jesus Mean to Gandhi?

Article Title: Gandhi and Christ: What Did Jesus Mean to Gandhi?

Submitted by: Craig Lock (http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4) 

Category (key words): Gandhi, Jesus, Christianity, faith, peace, pursuit of peace, beliefs, spiritual, spiritual unity, religion, unity of religion/s, spiritual growth

Web Sites: http://www.geocities.com/orthopapism/gandhi.html + http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080620072944AAmRmHq

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com

Other Articles by Craig are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981 (Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig

Publishing Guidelines: All my writings may be freely published, electronically or in print.

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”

                                                                                                *

GANDHI AND CHRIST

Submitter’s Note:

Craig is studying the teachings of different religions and faiths (to attempt to find ‘common ground’/principles) and as he learns from his research, is sharing these notes in the spirit of ‘enlightening’ (himself and perhaps others) regarding ‘eternal and universal truths.’ Hope this piece may be of interest to you too (as well as perhaps promoting more understanding of other faiths…as in sharing, I learn too!

* What did Jesus mean to Gandhi? Did he have any influence on Gandhi’s life and teaching? What according to Gandhi was the essence of Christ’s message? Was Gandhi a ‘secret Christian’? What is the challenge that Gandhi presents to Christians and Christianity today?

Answers to these questions may be found in a recent book, ‘Gandhi and Christianity’ edited by Robert Ellsberg and published by Orbis Books, Maryknoll, New York 10545. This book is an anthology of the speeches and writings of Gandhi on the subject as well as responses to Gandhi’s challenge by various Christian scholars. It should be a valuable reference book on the ongoing dialogue between Christians and representatives of other religions.

Early in his life, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi had been reading the Bible to keep a promise he had made to a friend. He found the Old Testament extremely difficult going. He disliked the Book of Numbers. But the New Testament produced a different impression, especially the Sermon on the Mount which went straight to his heart. The passion of Jesus Christ moved Gandhi greatly. The verses about not resisting evil but offering the other cheek and giving the cloak to one who asked for one’s coat delighted him beyond measure. They reminded him about something he had learned in his childhood about returning with gladness good for evil done.

“I did once seriously think of embracing the Christian faith“, Gandhi told Millie Polak, the wife of one of his earliest disciples. “The gentle figure of Christ, so patient, so kind, so loving, so full of forgiveness that he taught his followers not to retaliate when abused or struck, but to turn the other cheek, I thought it was a beautiful example of the perfect man…”

However, on another occasion, he said he could accept Jesus “as a martyr, an embodiment of sacrifice, and a divine teacher, but not as the most perfect man ever born. His death on the Cross was a great example to the world, but that there was anything like a mysterious or miraculous virtue in it, my heart could not accept”.

“The message of Jesus as I understand it”, said Gandhi, “is contained in the Sermon on the Mount unadulterated and taken as a whole… If then I had to face only the Sermon on the Mount and my own interpretation of it, I should not hesitate to say, ‘Oh, yes, I am a Christian.’ But negatively I can tell you that in my humble opinion, what passes as Christianity is a negation of the Sermon on the Mount… I am speaking of the Christian belief, of Christianity as it is understood in the west.”

Gandhi could speak beautifully about the message and personality of Jesus. Talking about the Gospel passage of the rich young man, he said, “St. Mark has vividly described the scene. Jesus is in his solemn mood. He is earnest. He talks about eternity. He knows the world about him. He is himself the greatest economist of his time. He succeeded in sermonising time and space – He transcends them. It is to him at the best that one comes running, kneels down and asks, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said unto him, “One thing thou lackest. Go thy way, sell what thou hast and give it to the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven – come, take up the cross and follow me.” Here you have an eternal rule of life stated in the noblest words the English language is capable of producing.” Gandhi went on to say that he could quote even stronger passages from the Hindu scriptures and the lesson he wanted to draw was that if we could clean our houses, palaces an

Poverty, suffering, the Cross, non-violence, morality – all these were part of the Kingdom of God. But for Gandhi what struck him most in the Sermon on the Mount was Christ’s teaching on non-retaliation, or non-resistance to evil. “Of all the things I have read what remained with me forever was that Jesus came almost to give a new law – not an eye for an eye, but to receive two blows when only one was given, and to go two miles when they were asked to go one. I came to see that the Sermon on the Mount was the whole of Christianity for him who wanted to live a Christian life. It is that sermon that has endeared Jesus to me.”

“Jesus occupies in my heart,” said Gandhi, “the place of one of the greatest teachers who have had a considerable influence on my life. I shall say to the Hindus that your life will be incomplete, unless you reverentially study the teachings of Jesus… Make this world the kingdom of God and his righteousness and everything will be added unto you. I tell you that if you will understand, appreciate, and act up to the spirit of this passage, you won’t need to know what place Jesus or any other teacher occupies in your heart.”

For Gandhi, Jesus was the prince of ‘Satyagrahists’.* “The example of Jesus suffering is a factor in the composition of my undying faith in non-violence. What then does Jesus mean to me? To me, He was one of the greatest teachers humanity has ever had.” For Gandhi, to say that Jesus was the only begotten son of God was to say that “in Jesus’ own life was the key of his nearness to God, that he expressed as no other could, the spirit and will of God… I do believe that something of the spirit that Jesus exemplified in the highest measure, in its most profound human sense exist… If I did not believe it, I should be a sceptic, and to be a sceptic is to live a life that is empty and lacking moral content. Or, what is the same thing, to condemn the human race to a negative end.”

* I think the word literally means ‘soul-force’

Gandhi believed that in every man there was an impulse for good and a compassion that is the spark of divinity, that will one day burst into the full flower that is the hope of all mankind. An example of this flowering, he said, may be found in the figure and in the life of Jesus. “I refuse to believe that there not exists or has ever existed a person that has not made use of his example to lessen his sins, even though he may have done so without realising it. The lives of all have, in some greater or lesser degree, been changed by His presence, His actions and the words spoken by His divine voice… I believe that he belongs not solely to Christianity, but to the entire world; to all races and people, it matters little under what flag, name or doctrine they may work, profess a faith or worship a God inherited from their ancestors.”

For Gandhi Jesus was the true ‘satyagrahist’, who passed the test of non-violence, even if he seemed to be otherwise a failure. “The virtues of mercy, non-violence, love and truth in any man can be truly tested when they are pitted against ruthlessness, violence, hate and untruth… This is the true test of Ahimsa… He who when being killed bears no anger against his murderer and even asks God to forgive him is truly non-violent. History relates this of Jesus Christ. With his dying breath on the Cross, he is reported to have said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what to do.”

According to the theory of ‘Satyagraha’, said Gandhi, an adequate appeal to the heart never fails. “Seeming failure is not of the law of ‘Satyagraha’, but of incompetence of the ‘Satyagrahist’ by whatever cause induced. The name of Jesus at once comes to the lips. It is an instance of brilliant failure. And he has been acclaimed in the west as the prince of passive resisters. I showed years ago in South Africa that the adjective ‘passive’ was a misnomer, at least as applied to Jesus. He was the most active resister known perhaps to history. His was non-violence par excellence.”

This article was directly sourced from http://www.geocities.com/orthopapism/gandhi.html + http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080620072944AAmRmHq

(and I’m sharing these thoughts and ideas in a spirit of in some small way, promoting better understanding and dialogue between faiths…or at least trying (thanks!).

“My life is my message.” – Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi

“Ï love Christ, but am not so keen on his followers.” and/or “I would have been a follower of Christ, if it weren’t for the Christians!”

(Apparently, Gandhi was kicked out of a church during his time in South Africa)

Gandhi greatly admired Christ; God is not a religion. God is love. Religious tradition is the enemy of true spirituality. Seek God and shun religion. It is the only path to true peace with God.

“Religion divides; whereas truth unites.”

So after all that…

Isn’t WHAT UNITES US IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN WHAT DIVIDES US!

“There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity.”

Find, then walk your OWN path to Highest Truth and be happy

Shared by craig

PS: Former Archbishop in South Africa Desmond Tutu said these inspirational words: “We have come to a time in the history of the world, where we need to rediscover the path to peace, and the path to peace can never be war. This pathway is lined with the concept of co-existence and co-inhabitance of the world.”

“A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long supressed, finds utterance.”

– Jahrulal Nehru, first Prime Minister of India

“It is time for people of good will from every faith, culture and nation to recognise that a terrible danger threatens humanity. We must set aside the partisan bickering between nations and join together to confront the danger that lies before us. Let us seek common ground between peoples around the globe… because what unites us is far more important than what divides us.

In our own little ways in our individual lives we can touch so many others and share our common humanity. And in so doing we can illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity. We must offer a compelling alternate vision for the world: a bright future of justice, tolerance, respect for other traditions and values and especially a vision of goodness and hope fuelled by the flame of love – one that banishes the fanatical ideology of intolerance and hatred to the darkness from which it emerged.”

– craig (as inspired by and adapted from the words of Abdurahman Wahid, former President of Indonesia)

About the submitter:

Craig likes, no loves to share information and insights to encourage others to be all they are capable of being. He’d love to try to ‘build bridges’ (not metal or wooden ones, thank goodness!) between people, firmly believing that what we share is way more important than what divides us. In his life mission Craig hopes to encourage, motivate and inspire people to be their best through realising their full potentials and live their very best lives. He believes in the great potential of every human being in the journey of life and loves to encourage people to share their individual (and guiding) spirits, so that they become all that they are CAPABLE of being

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and www.creativekiwis.com/index.php/books/74-craigs-books

Craig’s new book ‘The Spirit of a True Champion: A Look into the Mind of Jesus Christ’ is already available at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007E2WXW0

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com

Craig’s new manuscript, ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: In it he attempts to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, turbulent and uncertain world. A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.

“A good book should take you from your everyday life to another place entirely.”

These thoughts may be published, electronically or in print (with acknowledgment to the source web sites, thanks)

“Live simply, so that others may simply live.” – Gandhi

“I try to give people their humanity”

“What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.”