The Columbia man seemed not to know the uncomfortable truths about Gandhi.
1. His racists attitudes toward blacks in South Africa.
2. His sexual harassment of teenage girls.
3. HIs need to humiliate women by cutting their hair off, once on a child who engaged in sexual exploration with a boy--he didn't cut the boy's hair off--and the second on a young woman who had been sexually harassed. He cut her hair off to purify men's eyes.
4. His demand that his teenage sons take a vow of celibacy when he did, but Gandhi was in his thirties and since he married at thirteen, had enjoyed sexuality for twenty years.
5. His acquiescence to the Holocaust--he urged Jews to die non-violently. I can understand the opposition to violence, but he could have urged Europeans to engage in non-violent resistance to Nazi violence. He did not. In India, he mobilized non-violent resistance to the British but for the Jews, he did not even mention it.
No, Gandhi was a pervert and bully. His eloquence and charisma should not blind us to that.
Alas, what I wrote about Gandhi is not slander. It is true. Much of it is documented in Ved Mehta's book Gandhi and His Apostles, first published in 1977 and updated in 1993. Ved Mehta, incidentally, was born to a Hindu family in what is today Pakistan but which was part of India when he was born in 1934. I mention this to make the point that Mehta's criticisms of Gandhi cannot be attributed to racism or religious bigotry.
On the other hand, I do agree with you that many Christians are perverts and bullies as well and I abhor the enthusiasm of some Christians for the war on Gaza. At least two American, Christian, congressmen have said they would approve of Israel using nuclear weapons on Gaza.
In his book, Jesus Rediscovered, Malcom Muggeridge said that there is more truth in the lurid cartoon tract of the works-with-his-hands evangelist, than there is in all the privileged phrases of the educated, polished and comfortable gentlemen of the world.
This is a good article, that basically says the same thing, IMO. And so said the young man.
Thank you--Substack isn't letting me "like" comments for some reason, even though I'm signed in as the author. Anyways, I think you provided a great summary. Btw, I love reading Muggeridge!
No, I did not enjoy reading this. Author appears self impressed with use of adverberial clauses, too many run on's. Flowery language is not impressive in every sentence. Very distracting. Put down your theasuas and get to the point.
Jo Blow, I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy reading it and that you spent precious time typing your wise thoughts. No doubt there are countless people who didn't enjoy it! Only you were simple enough to let me know.
Oh the wounds of words written in haste that strike so deep causing a grey palor, as the winter's first sunlight on an overcast dawn's early light, crest my brow
Clearly, your reading taste and comprehension level fall short of any style beyond basic conveyance of events and facts. RT likes to paint a picture with a bit of humor and personality beyond the initial basic observation.
I enjoyed the heart expressed in this piece. Well done RT— we need more bold speakers like this graduation speaker in the younger generations.
Could it be that the true source of your displeasure is the message of Jesus' gospel which is so clearly presented? The Way, the Truth and the Life, the only means by which we can enter heaven?
The irony to me is that, while reading your post, I was thinking, "this is good writing." I was comparing my own writing to yours and thinking mine came up short.
That's very kind of you, Anne. I do the same thing! I read someone's work and wonder why on earth I ever imagined myself a writer. That's probably something Jo Blow and I can agree on, I guess!
Although you've expressed clear disdain for my own writing, you are welcome to use your better skills to present a clear and biblical gospel here in your comments. Looking at your Substack, I see you are a man of fewer words. Maybe you would do a service to the souls of those who suffered through or read the piece--which was not intended as a gospel presentation, but the story of contrasting graduation messages.
“Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.“
Jeremiah 5:31
“The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?“
Fred, first of all, your tone--i"your hero speaker"--betrays an attitude that hardly recommends the true gospel. Second, I didn't say or imply that it was just information, and I'm sorry if somehow you interpreted it that way. The gospel is far more beautiful than that! If you want me to be more precise about it, I'll try.
God elected his people from eternity (it's in scripture, not just my opinion) and regenerates their sin-deadened hearts through the work of the Holy Spirit. Our works do not save us, and even our faith is a gift. Only Christ's finished work, in concert with the Holy Spirit's regenerative work, saves those who by faith confess his name. The gospel is not a universal guarantee of salvation to all people, but to those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God and who call upon the name of the Lord. They can only do this through the Holy Spirit's enabling. Salvation is not "earned" or "learned" through good works or information.
The gospel does indeed contain a promise, and it is also the fulfillment of a promise made in the garden. Praise God, it is all his work, from beginning to end. We do not know the whole story, so as believers it's our privilege to share this great "invitation" with those who God is already leading towards himself. In the end, his true sheep know his voice--whether or not they have mastered every theological detail or not.
"In the end, his true sheep know his voice--whether or not they have mastered every theological detail or not." I am grateful for that. I have been a follower of Christ for 48 years and I am still learning.
He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Yes, he is.
The Columbia man seemed not to know the uncomfortable truths about Gandhi.
1. His racists attitudes toward blacks in South Africa.
2. His sexual harassment of teenage girls.
3. HIs need to humiliate women by cutting their hair off, once on a child who engaged in sexual exploration with a boy--he didn't cut the boy's hair off--and the second on a young woman who had been sexually harassed. He cut her hair off to purify men's eyes.
4. His demand that his teenage sons take a vow of celibacy when he did, but Gandhi was in his thirties and since he married at thirteen, had enjoyed sexuality for twenty years.
5. His acquiescence to the Holocaust--he urged Jews to die non-violently. I can understand the opposition to violence, but he could have urged Europeans to engage in non-violent resistance to Nazi violence. He did not. In India, he mobilized non-violent resistance to the British but for the Jews, he did not even mention it.
No, Gandhi was a pervert and bully. His eloquence and charisma should not blind us to that.
Thank you for sharing all of this. No doubt he had a true word here or there, as so many false prophets do, but he is a dead-end to eternal life.
That is slander and many Christians are perverts and bullies as well. Now many are even praying for more genocide of Palestinians.
Those are not Christians, they are Christians in name only. Unless you follow the teachings of Jesus you are not a follower of Jesus.
Alas, what I wrote about Gandhi is not slander. It is true. Much of it is documented in Ved Mehta's book Gandhi and His Apostles, first published in 1977 and updated in 1993. Ved Mehta, incidentally, was born to a Hindu family in what is today Pakistan but which was part of India when he was born in 1934. I mention this to make the point that Mehta's criticisms of Gandhi cannot be attributed to racism or religious bigotry.
Other sources:
1. Gandhi's attitude toward women: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2010/jan/27/mohandas-gandhi-women-india
2. On the Holocaust: https://apnews.com/general-news-f40d8c2c7d8d4ffeadd576ded89acc0c
On the other hand, I do agree with you that many Christians are perverts and bullies as well and I abhor the enthusiasm of some Christians for the war on Gaza. At least two American, Christian, congressmen have said they would approve of Israel using nuclear weapons on Gaza.
What a courageous young man!! Loved reading this - thank you for highlighting 🙌🏼🙏🏻✝️
you're welcome! I wanted to "like" every comment but must respond instead due to a glitch on Substack. Thank you for the kind words.
In his book, Jesus Rediscovered, Malcom Muggeridge said that there is more truth in the lurid cartoon tract of the works-with-his-hands evangelist, than there is in all the privileged phrases of the educated, polished and comfortable gentlemen of the world.
This is a good article, that basically says the same thing, IMO. And so said the young man.
Thank you--Substack isn't letting me "like" comments for some reason, even though I'm signed in as the author. Anyways, I think you provided a great summary. Btw, I love reading Muggeridge!
No, I did not enjoy reading this. Author appears self impressed with use of adverberial clauses, too many run on's. Flowery language is not impressive in every sentence. Very distracting. Put down your theasuas and get to the point.
Simplicity is essence of wisdom.
Jo Blow, I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy reading it and that you spent precious time typing your wise thoughts. No doubt there are countless people who didn't enjoy it! Only you were simple enough to let me know.
Oh the wounds of words written in haste that strike so deep causing a grey palor, as the winter's first sunlight on an overcast dawn's early light, crest my brow
Clearly, your reading taste and comprehension level fall short of any style beyond basic conveyance of events and facts. RT likes to paint a picture with a bit of humor and personality beyond the initial basic observation.
I enjoyed the heart expressed in this piece. Well done RT— we need more bold speakers like this graduation speaker in the younger generations.
Bold as a sunflower in full bloom in a garden of dreamless sleep. Yes so profound. I struggle to catch a breath.
Could it be that the true source of your displeasure is the message of Jesus' gospel which is so clearly presented? The Way, the Truth and the Life, the only means by which we can enter heaven?
Anne, it makes sense to assume that he disliked the message, given his very ungracious and rude tone. I share your instincts on this.
The irony to me is that, while reading your post, I was thinking, "this is good writing." I was comparing my own writing to yours and thinking mine came up short.
That's very kind of you, Anne. I do the same thing! I read someone's work and wonder why on earth I ever imagined myself a writer. That's probably something Jo Blow and I can agree on, I guess!
No. It was that our Christ following household could not find words of the Gospel beyond the flowery ramblings.
Although you've expressed clear disdain for my own writing, you are welcome to use your better skills to present a clear and biblical gospel here in your comments. Looking at your Substack, I see you are a man of fewer words. Maybe you would do a service to the souls of those who suffered through or read the piece--which was not intended as a gospel presentation, but the story of contrasting graduation messages.
Okay, take care.
Habakkuk 1:4
“Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.“
Jeremiah 5:31
“The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?“
thank you for sharing these scriptures!
no video?
no, and the school has not posted it yet.
Fred, first of all, your tone--i"your hero speaker"--betrays an attitude that hardly recommends the true gospel. Second, I didn't say or imply that it was just information, and I'm sorry if somehow you interpreted it that way. The gospel is far more beautiful than that! If you want me to be more precise about it, I'll try.
God elected his people from eternity (it's in scripture, not just my opinion) and regenerates their sin-deadened hearts through the work of the Holy Spirit. Our works do not save us, and even our faith is a gift. Only Christ's finished work, in concert with the Holy Spirit's regenerative work, saves those who by faith confess his name. The gospel is not a universal guarantee of salvation to all people, but to those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God and who call upon the name of the Lord. They can only do this through the Holy Spirit's enabling. Salvation is not "earned" or "learned" through good works or information.
The gospel does indeed contain a promise, and it is also the fulfillment of a promise made in the garden. Praise God, it is all his work, from beginning to end. We do not know the whole story, so as believers it's our privilege to share this great "invitation" with those who God is already leading towards himself. In the end, his true sheep know his voice--whether or not they have mastered every theological detail or not.
"In the end, his true sheep know his voice--whether or not they have mastered every theological detail or not." I am grateful for that. I have been a follower of Christ for 48 years and I am still learning.
Do consider the words of Jesus when offering this "free gift".
"If you want to be my disciple count the cost and take up your cross and follow me..." No easy believeism in those words