If a person through fear, compulsion, starvation, or for material gain or consideration goes over to another faith, it is a misnomer to call it conversion. Most cases of conversion have been to my mind false coin. I would therefore unhesitatingly re-admit to the Hindu fold all such repentants without much ado. If a man comes back to the original branch he deserves to be welcomed in so far as he may deem to have erred, he has sufficiently purged himself of it when he repents his error and retraces his steps. (Collected Works: Vol. 66, pp. 163-164)
RE:Mahatma Gandhi on conversion - 6
by on Feb 24, 2008 12:48 PM Permalink
Hi, My "personal opinion" of this is that these articles by Gandhiji were his own impression, influenced greatly by his frustrations with the British rule. Christainity demands of every Christian to spread the Word of GOD, based on teachings of Jesus Christ. But, as per the Bible it has to be thru being an good example and leading holy lives. A true Christian will not approve of conversion by means of creating fear or by giving material gains. Incases, where this was done, it was not correct. True Christians don't want quantity and people not worthy spiritually. Western missionaries may not understand local culture, and hence converts are at times, worse off (culturally speaking), post conversion. Local culture should be encouraged, as long as it does not go against religious beliefs or human rights (eg. stopping things like sati, caste system, worshiping demonic idols, etc). The hugh positive contribution of the missionaries by making a positive contribution to peoples lives in areas like education, health care, relief in times of trouble should not be ignored. This is a thankless job and Cheers to them for working hard for those in need. To conclude, lets not use few past events or few bad examples as reason to condemn Christianity or the missionaries. It requires spiritual thirst and wisdom to understand Christ's teachings. GOD Bless !
There have been numerious cases of people converting to Christianity, and finding "real spiritual peace and presence of GOD in t
RE:RE:Mahatma Gandhi on conversion - 6
by Nanchil on Feb 20, 2008 05:01 PM Permalink
Gandhi was a confused mind when it comes to religion. But compared to RSS/VHP supporters christians have great respect for Gandhi as he fought for unity in a non-violent manner.
RE:Mahatma Gandhi on conversion - 6
by sitaram sakthi on Feb 20, 2008 06:04 PM Permalink
tomorrow you will say gandhiji converted to christianity in his last days.. and all his followers need to be converted..
"god killed himself on the cross to save his own creations from his own wrath??"
RE:Mahatma Gandhi on conversion - 6
by Ramanath Babu on Feb 20, 2008 06:53 PM Permalink
Nanchil,
On the one hand you say you love India more than Hindus and on the other hand you want to abuse Hinduism. That is the precise reason why we want people like you out of this country. If you have the courage post your address here and we will show what we can do.
RE:Mahatma Gandhi on conversion - 6
by JGN on Feb 20, 2008 05:10 PM Permalink
Nanchil, people like you are trying to defend the indensible!!!! Neither can you defend the faith in today's world driven by science and technology nor can you justify the conversion! What are you fighting for? Why don't you believe in the principles of neo-humanism, breft of any religious dogmas???
RE:Mahatma Gandhi on conversion - 6
by Nanchil on Feb 20, 2008 05:14 PM Permalink
What are you fighting for? Why are you happy abusing christians while shutting your mouth on hinduism? Why do you think that God is bound to science?
RE:Mahatma Gandhi on conversion - 6
by JGN on Feb 20, 2008 05:22 PM Permalink
I do not like the believers of semitic religions ridiculing our native culture (don't confuse culture with religion). The poor hindus who do not have any knowledge of The Bible and The Koran cannot counter them effectively. Btw I do not have special attachement to any religion.
Because, the original "varna system" of ancient India is different from the casteism that was practised for the last few hundred years.
"Varna system" was a very innocent, harmless system, for the welfare of all people.
I don't want to get into a lengthy discussion, but Ambedkar was one super-junk. We can leisurely fight about Ambedkar later some other time, I am tired now.
RE:RE:Mahatma Gandhi on conversion - 6
by Nanchil on Feb 20, 2008 05:16 PM Permalink
He said there should not be any discrimination in terms of caste but he supported varna-system. Read the articles of Ambedkar on Gandhi you will know. BTW only hinduism is a junk religion in the world as it does have contradictory philosophies and myths.
