“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
In this thought-provoking quote by Mahatma Gandhi, he highlights the disparity between the teachings of Jesus Christ and the actions of some Christians. Gandhi admires the principles and values that Christ stood for, such as love, compassion, and forgiveness. However, he criticizes the behavior of some individuals who identify as Christians but fail to embody these qualities in their interactions with others. This quote serves as a reminder that true followers of any faith should strive to live according to the teachings and example set by their spiritual leaders.
In today's world, where Christianity is one of the largest and most influential religions, Mahatma Gandhi's statement about the disparity between Christ's teachings and the actions of some Christians remains highly relevant. Numerous instances of hypocrisy, intolerance, and discrimination carried out in the name of Christianity continue to undermine its core message of love, compassion, and forgiveness. This disconnect between religious principles and individual behavior serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning one's actions with the teachings they claim to follow.
“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” - Mahatma Gandhi
It is said that Mahatma Gandhi once remarked, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” This statement raises important questions about the actions and behaviors of individuals who claim to follow a certain faith. Reflect on the following questions to think deeper about this notion:
“I cannot teach you violence, as I do not myself believe in it. I can only teach you not to bow your heads before any one even at the cost of your life.”
“I offer you peace. I offer you love. I offer you friendship. I see your beauty. I hear your need. I feel your feelings.”
“I came to the conclusion long ago that all religions were true and that also that all had some error in them, and while I hold by my own religion, I should hold other religions as dear as Hinduism. So we can only pray, if we were Hindus, not that a Christian should become a Hindu; but our innermost prayer should be that a Hindu should become a better Hindu, a Muslim a better Muslim, and a Christian a better Christian.”
“If I were a dictator, religion and state would be separate. I swear by my religion. I will die for it. But it is my personal affair. The state has nothing to do with it. The state would look after your secular welfare, health, communications, foreign relations, currency and so on, but not your or my religion. That is everybody's personal concern!”
“All your scholarship would be in vain if at the same time you do not build your character and attain mastery over your thoughts and your actions.”
“Yes I am, I am also a Muslim, a Christian, a Buddhist, and a Jew.”