INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE ON GANDHI’S ETHICS
Dr Sheeba Himani Sharma
Department of English
St. Andrew’s College, Gorakhpur ceaesac@gmail.com Abstract It is worth noting that Christianity influenced Gandhi to an extent that he followed most of the teachings of Jesus Christ found in the New Testament but an acceptance of the same was hindered by the conduct of the Christians. Inspite of the fact that Gandhi was greatly influenced by the life of Jesus Christ he could never accept Christianity even though he loved and respected the teachings of the Bible.
Keywords: Jesus Christ, Bible, Gandhi, Sermon on the Mount
During his studies in England, Mahatma Gandhi became interested in the Christian faith. He had been reading the Bible to keep a promise he had made to a friend. He had difficulties understanding the Old Testament because in it, “he found out so much that he could not reconcile with the bidding of returning good for evil.” He was studying for the bar exams in London when he was given the New Testament to read. This made a positive impression on him.
Gandhi told Millie Polak, the wife of one of his earliest disciples.
"I did once seriously think of embracing the Christian faith," "The gentle figure of Christ, so patient, so kind, so loving, so full of
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Just like John Paul II whose funeral mass saw united together around his remains political and religious leaders whom he had been trying to put together during his lifetime, the message of Gandhi to imitate Christ and to unite was well understood. The cathedral was full and in a festive mood. The rector of the cathedral took up the floor and said “today this service is in memory of Mahatma Gandhi who has just been assassinated. He intoned a hymn and the populace responded. Here is a paraphrased translation from the French version of what he