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It is impossible for me to reconcile myself to the idea of conversion after the style that goes on in India and elsewhere today. It is an error which is perhaps the greatest impediment to the world's progress toward peace : Why should a Christian want to convert a Hindu to Christianity? Why should he not be satisfied if the Hindu is a good or godly man?

Mahatma Gandhi#21

ReligionPeaceFaithRespectConversion

About this quote

What does it mean?
Gandhi condemns forced or aggressive religious conversion as a barrier to global peace.
In plain terms
Aggressive conversion hurts peace; people should just be good in their own faith.
What can you take from it?
Promote peace by respecting others' existing faith.

Where it applies

  • community organizing
  • missionary work
  • policy

Putting it to work

  • discourage conversion pressure
  • focus on shared values

Questions to consider

  • Is conversion necessary for faith?
  • How do we live peacefully?

Another view

Freedom to choose religion can include choosing to change.

More from Mahatma Gandhi

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  2. If there ever could be a justifiable war in the name of and for humanity, a war against Germany, to prevent the wanton persecution of a whole race, would be co…

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  3. It is beyond my power to induce in you a belief in God. There are certain things which are self proved and certain which are not proved at all. The existence o…

    Permalink to quote #19

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