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About this quote

What does it mean?
Gandhi distinguishes between institutional practices and the core teachings of Jesus.
In plain terms
He believes modern church practices contradict what Christ actually taught.
What can you take from it?
True faith lies in practice, not just tradition.

Where it applies

  • religious debate
  • theological study

Putting it to work

  • critique religious institutions
  • study original texts

Questions to consider

  • How do institutions distort original teachings?
  • What defines true Christianity?

Another view

He offers a sweeping generalization without specific examples of practices.

More from Mahatma Gandhi

  1. I can combine the greatest love with the greatest opposition to wrong.

    Permalink to quote #161
  2. I do not believe in the doctrine of the greatest good of the greatest number. The only real, dignified, human doctrine is the greatest good of all.

    Permalink to quote #163
  3. I call myself a Sanatani Eternal Hindu, because I believe in the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Puranas, and all that goes by the name of Hindu scripture, and ther…

    Permalink to quote #160

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