“I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ.” Ghandi
The above quote is one by Mahatma Gandhi that I have recently run across. It somehow resonated with me, so much so that I bought the bumper sticker! Now, I am not suggesting that we as Christians are expected to try to be just like Jesus. No one can live under such a weight of pressure and guilt. Neither am I defending Gandhi for his religious beliefs. But at the same time, we cannot simply dismiss someone with such an enormous impact for good . If we have integrity, we have to be willing to think hard about what he said about Christians. Phillip Yancey helped me see this in his book The Soul Survivor.
Listen to a story he retells in that book:
Gandhi and Reverend Andrews, a Presbyterian missionary, were walking together in South Africa. “The two suddenly find their way blocked by young thugs. Reverend Andrews takes one look at the menacing gangsters and decides to run for it. Gandhi stops him. ‘Doesn’t the New Testament say if an enemy strikes you on the right cheek you should offer him the left?’ Andrews mumbles that he thought the phrase was used metaphorically. ‘I’m not so sure,’ Gandhi replies. ‘I suspect he meant you must show courage - be willing to take a blow, several blows, to show you will not strike back nor will you be turned aside. And when you do that it calls on something in human nature, something that makes his hatred decrease and his respect increase. I think Christ grasped that and I have seen it work.’”
This active nonviolence that Gandhi preached and practiced brought freedom to the millions of Indians previoiusly called Untouchables. He began by giving them a new name. Rather than Untouchables, he called them Harijans, or Children of God. He called them brothers and stayed in their homes as much as possible. This was radical because others would not be seen with them and would not dare touch them much less talk to them and fellowship with them. One hundred million people in India now call themselves by a blessing rather than a curse because of the courage of this man. He believed in the dignity of each person, women, lepers, lower caste members, children. The Scriptures make clear that the poor and needy are close to the heart of God, and they were close to Gandhi’s heart as well. Whatever you think about his religious beliefs, and no matter how much you or I may disagree with his beloved religion of hinduism, he shows us a beautiful picture in a human life lived in humility, peace, and courageous love.
Okay, so why am I writing about Gandhi and asking us to contemplate what he said about “our Christ and our Christians?”
Because I am grieved that we are not showing forth the heart of Christ. I am grieved that someone like Gandhi could like Christ but not see his likeness in those called by his name. I am grieved that when Jesus walked this earth, sinners flocked to him as a safe place, and while they still do so today, often the church is not that place at all. I am grieved that this quote from Gandhi too often reflects the true sentiments of multitudes of people today.
I know there are no perfect churches. My dad often jokes that if you find a perfect church, don’t let him join it because it won’t be perfect anymore! (I’m right there with you, dad.) So I’m not talking about trying harder to be and act and “just do” what Jesus did.
But I am talking about humbling ourselves before him and asking him to search our hearts, and to show us ourselves and the real Jesus with spiritual eyes. I am also talking about asking him to make us attractive to “sinners”, for us to be people who “join the rest of the human race.” To become one follower of Christ that gives someone somewhere a taste of the heart of God.
Rather than try harder to be like Christ, we need the real Christ to show himself in our lives, and that begins with brokenness. Letting others see the real us. Letting him shine through the broken places. Stopping the show of perfection, because it repells those outside the church. (and a lot of those within the church as well!) Where did we get the idea that we have to “set a good example” anyway? That usually ends in superficiality at best and hypocrisy at worst. Let us admit that we fall short, that yes, the church has failed, that we often don’t show his love. This type of honesty may be just what it takes to begin to draw others to the perfection of Christ, through our admission of our own imperfection.
In Blue Like Jazz, Donald Miller tells a story of a few Christian friends building a “confessional booth” on their college campus on the biggest party night of the year. As people would stroll by, they would begin to talk to them, and instead of encouraging the “sinners” and “party-ers” to confess their sins, the Christians would confess their own failings and apologize to them for the actions of the church over history and even in current events. It was an interesting and powerful twist, and they made a few friends that night.
So, if anyone is still reading who likes the idea of Christ but can’t stand the Christians you have met or the ones you’ve heard about, please hear my heartfelt apology. Many claim the name of Christ but do not really follow him. And those of us who really know him, we screw up all the time in showing his love and acceptance and forgiveness.
But he is “gentle and humble in heart.” And if you are weary, like I am, hear his invitation, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and you will find rest for your souls.”
This is the only hope I have. Life has beat me up too much to still believe that I can get my act together and that everyone else should too. If Christ doesn’t offer hope for real people in the real world with real problems, we should all chuck him and just try to have a good time.
But he does.
He has done so for me. Again and again. And I still need him as much as the first day I met him. And though I forget him, run from him, rage at him at times, question his plans, and fail to love like he does, he is ALWAYS a safe haven of rest to my weary soul. And even if you don’t like the Christians you know or know of, I think you would really like this Christ!
I would love to hear your comments, agree or not.
If I ever see that sticker, I’m buying it. Or maybe I’ll make something with that quote on it. I’ve heard it before once or twice, thanks for reminding me of it!
Comment by talia — February 23, 2008 @ 10:33 pm
I found the bumper sticker online at “Wear a big Sticker.com”
smiles
Comment by mongoosemom — February 24, 2008 @ 9:56 am
I’m not sure where your quote from Yancy ends…
I’ve heard that quote/story from Gandhi before and it saddens me. It also maddens me because I know many Christians who are living love to the unlovable but their stories aren’t paraded around the world. That’s not what the gospel is about - parading it’s humility for the world to see. Brothers and sisters are visiting the wounded, healing the broken, feeding the hungry, etc. everywhere and everyday. Their stories are unwritten and untold.
Yeah, the hypocrites are out there too and their stories tend to be broadcast more than the quiet ones. But aren’t we all hypocrites anyway and Christ loves us anyway and uses us anyway?
Comment by Barb — February 26, 2008 @ 12:23 pm
Barb,
The quote ends after that paragraph with double quotes “I think Christ grasped this, and I have seen it work.”
The information after that is not directly quoted from Yancy, but some of it did come from the same book.
And you’re right - there are many untold stories of true believers loving in humility!
I’m just writing from where I am, deep in the Bible belt, and wanting us to think hard.
Comment by mongoosemom — February 26, 2008 @ 1:42 pm
Thank you for this. I am bookmarking your site. This was Christ speaking through you.
Strangely enough, it came to me through a secular list, a friend who was discussing pacifism with me. I quoted the Ghandi bumper sticker, which I had seen recently.
Thank you….this “sermon” should be heard everywhere.
In Him,
doorkeeper
Comment by doorkeeper — December 14, 2008 @ 1:07 pm
I heard this quote on a sermon today on a radio broadcast at 10:30ct from an Episcopal church and wanted to know the source of the quote, googled and was directed to you…thanks for sharing your thoughts… I will definitely put this site in my favorites…what a blessing
Comment by Linda — January 18, 2009 @ 9:13 am
Linda,
That is SO cool! I’m glad you found me.
Cheerios!
Comment by admin — January 18, 2009 @ 9:35 pm
I stumbled across your site while looking for the exact wording of this quote. Your post was beautifully written and contained such a great message.
I’ve read through a few of your other posts and I’m now very glad that I came across this site. I really enjoy what you have to say.
Comment by Kim — March 23, 2009 @ 10:16 am
[…] “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ.” -Ghandi […]
Pingback by kimmie » Blog Archive » Ghandi and a New Blog to Enjoy — March 23, 2009 @ 10:19 am
Kimmie,
I’m glad you came by! Hope to hear more from you.
Mongoosemom
Comment by admin — March 23, 2009 @ 6:15 pm
Like many other that have posted, I happened upon this post while searching for the exact wording of the Gandhi quote. I appreciate the truthfulness and candor in your post. Many of us would be better served by realizing the hypocrisy of our ways. I’m fond of the Gandhi quote because it is a reminder to the millions of Christians, that just claiming Christianity is not the end.
Comment by Kyle — May 6, 2009 @ 1:05 am
Wow. This was really a blessing to me, as I have been struggling with stuff in my church. I have to remember that it is about Christ, not the church, and not whether I like/approve of certain Christians. I just have to do my best to reflect Christ in my life.
Thanks so much for this.
Comment by Donna — June 1, 2009 @ 6:22 am
Thank you. I have been feeling this way for so long and I saw this bumper sticker on a punk rock girl’s car one day and I thought “That is awesome. I AM a Christian and I feel the same way!” I looked it up later and shared it with my sister, who has a real distaste for the church and what she knows about Jesus, which unfortunately is dyfunstional and wrong due to the church teachings she has had. I wanted to help her be more informed, so I shared it and she seemed to open up a little more to accepting to hear my point of view. I just sent her the link to your page here too. I hope it speaks to her as it has to me. Thank you and God bless.
Comment by Geneveive — June 25, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
Dear Geneveive,
I’m so glad you found the site and article. Jesus is like no man. He is 100% compassion and kindness. I pray your sister will find that to be true, that he will find her! It is tragic when the “church” abuses and misleads the people it is supposed to love.
Mongoosemom
Comment by admin — June 26, 2009 @ 12:18 pm
Thanks again. My sister read the above and said “I love it. Beautiful and true.” I am in the midst of reading this book, “The Irrestistible Revolution -living as an ordinary radical” by Shane Claiborne. I wondered if you have read it and what you thought of it. And if you have not, I wanted to refer it to you. Have a terrific day!
Comment by Geneveive — July 1, 2009 @ 11:03 am
Thanks for the book recommendation. I have not read this one, but I’ve read one on the same theme,simply called “Revolution” by George Barna. I enjoyed it very much. I’ll check out the one you mentioned.
Mongoosemom
Comment by admin — July 7, 2009 @ 3:12 am
Gog IS Love. If we are following Christ, then we will be in this love, transformed, melted, integrated, surrounded in it. Whatever we are full of we will spill over when we are bumped. What happens when you are bumped, what comes out? Love? Or nasty stuff. It is a challenge for me too, don’t worry!
My point is this. A person / church / denomination can call themselves ‘christian, but until they are bumped you will not know. I know.
Comment by M — July 15, 2009 @ 2:07 am
Oops. That should have been God IS Love…
By the way. I like your page a lot. Well done. M
Comment by M — July 15, 2009 @ 2:08 am
Like others noted before me I found your site while researching the Ghandi quote. Your opening paragraph in this section peaked my interest so I continued to read the entire article. I sense you heart is in the right place but I do see some problems with the theology. God definitely expects us to strive (with assistance from the Holy Spirit) to be like Jesus. Roman’s 8:29 says: “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he (Jesus) might be the firstborn among many brothers.” In Matthew 7:24 Jesus himself says: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Then in Matthew 7:26 “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.” In John 14:23-24 Jesus said: “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.”
The confusion I see in your first paragraph comes from a misunderstanding of Jesus vs Law (i.e 10 Commandments, other moral laws in the 1st five books of the Bible, Jesus teachings) and righteousness vs self righteousness. The New Testament is very clear that we can not find righteousness by obedience to the law. However, Jesus emphatically states in Matthew 7:17-20 that the Law stills stands. The difference is that those who try and find righteousness by obedience to the law either become self righteous or are crushed under its weight (as you stated). Those who have surrendered their lives to the Savior strive to obey out of love for the Savior knowing that if they stumble Christ will be their pick them up. Now the law has two purposes, both equal in importance. One purpose is that it demonstrates the proper way to live our lives with others (call it God knows best). The other purpose is to point out how far we are from that way of living (like a mirror showing us how dirty our face is) and pointing out that we are sinners in need of a Savior. As Paul says in Romans 3:20, “…through the law we become conscious of sin.” Jesus cannot save us until we recognize our sin problem.
Therefore, we are to obey the law no matter how imperfect we maybe at it. As C.S. Lewis stated in his book Mere Christianity: “And, in yet another sense, handing everything over to Christ does not, of course, mean that you stop trying. To trust Him means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not takes his advice. Thus if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because He has begun to save you already. Not hoping to get to heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act a certain way because a first faint gleam of Heaven in already inside you.”
The reason many so-called Christian don’t act like the “your Jesus” Ghandi addresses is because they have never recognized their sin problem so Jesus has not yet become their Savior, just a figure head. They put their faith in church, not in Christ. Hence, no need for obedience.
One last point: To be obedient to the Law and Jesus’ teaching means you need to know them. That requires Bible study. Ignorance in the eyes of God is not bliss. God Bless.
Comment by nofear — August 22, 2009 @ 4:33 pm
I just posted that quote on my facebook site. My wife has a cousin who is a right wing christian fundamentalist. He can quote the bible and complain about our president regarding the health care issue. What he doesn’t do, is act like Christ. He passes on the lies and hatred towards Obama in the name of Christians.
We posted this quote and his response was, “so now you are quoting Gandhi” Yes we are. And it fits so well.
Comment by Lloyd — September 10, 2009 @ 10:23 am
I like your Ghandi, but I do not like your Hindus. Your Hindus are so unlike your Ghandi.
Comment by johnny — October 18, 2009 @ 7:26 pm
I was looking to share a bumpersticker I have with some folks at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=190116729318&ref=mf (Americans agains national religion) and I found your blog and read it. I wish you weren’t such a minority in Christiandom, but you are encouraging and refreshing and I thank you for spreading the word!
Comment by Reni — November 9, 2009 @ 5:23 pm
Fantastic ! I couldn’t have said it better myself!!
I find “Christians” especially American Evangelical / fundamentalist ones despicable.The embodiment of hypocrisy.”Christianity” as practiced and preached in the western world is only a religion of the mind and will power.There is no true spirituality or “spirit” in it.Jesus wouldn’t recognize it.Follow Christ, not a preacher, a book or a set of rules/ /laws.
Comment by Tyler Durden — December 23, 2009 @ 9:38 am
Thank you for your post, it blessed my soul. I found you while searching the exact quote as well. Then I decided to make Harijan my screen name for the many forums and sites I post on. I am a long time believer but for a lot of reasons I have been struggling with calling myself a Christian for awhile, plus I can’t be a Christian in America because I voted for Obama ;)!! So Harijan it is. Anyway thanks again for your post!! I will book mark your site and share it with my friends both believers and non.
To Johnny, that too is an awesome quote and bumper sticker, I would buy them both.
Comment by Harijan — December 25, 2009 @ 11:45 am
I was actually looking for the Ghandi quote after my Pastor referenced the quote in one of our series. It stuck out to me so well but I wanted to quote in directly. Clicked on your site and read and from the time I started to read tears flowed. I saw that someone said that it was Christ speaking through you and I believe that. I have been very frustrated all week and have not figured out why until I read this. I am FED up with how we as a whole have taken GOD’s loving, accepting, merciful,non-judgemental plan and turn it upside down. I believe that sometimes even our leaders have failed us and that’s why I believe that GOD is going to call a new generation that SHALL obey him and allow them to help turn this thing around. Sitting here for thirty minutes crying, after reading your page, I told GOD that I will go. To annoint me and send me as one of the disciples that will help turn this thing around. That’s what we need. Some TRUE believers and REAL people who is ready and willing to go on a REAL journey. I thank GOD for you, and for speaking through you.
Comment by Lorenza — January 20, 2010 @ 10:05 am
Bless you, bless you, bless you, Lorenza and all of you! This is God’s work, his thing, and he will do it. Isn’t it grand to be a part of it?
mongoosemom
Comment by admin — January 24, 2010 @ 5:18 am
I am Catholic and struggle with my fellow Christians about this issue. Too often we forget the love of Christ was what he wanted us to extend to others, not persecution, not judgment, not names or labels but love, acceptance and inclusion. I love Christ, too often I find myself not liking other Christians, because they forget to be Christlike, to be of service of our fellow man and to see God in ourselves and see God in others no matter who we believe they are. Love Christ, love ourselves and others as ourselves. There is no unlovable.
Comment by Paolo — January 27, 2010 @ 12:48 pm
This is awesome. Thank you for your wisdom and encouragement.
Comment by Nick — February 9, 2010 @ 4:53 pm
“There are no accidents only Divine Appointments.” I too was searching for the Gandhi quote and as God would have it came across your site. I am an Anglican Priest. I work full time as a Hospice Chaplain. However, I am also a shepherd who has been bitten by the sheep so many times I can not venture anywhere near a church without becoming physically ill. Like Gandhi “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ.” But some things you said in your article touched me deeply and I just wanted to say thank you. Maybe some day I will be able to find a community of fellow believers, but for now I can’t even think about going to church without getting a knot in my stomach. Perhaps this is why Jesus preferred the company of sinners rather than the so called “righteous”, they’re sickening. Thank you again and please pray for me, a sinner.
Comment by David+ — February 28, 2010 @ 7:29 am
Dear David,
Thank you for your comment. I know the pain you are talking about, and I am so sorry. I will pray for you,from one sinner to another. God bless you deeply.
Mongoosemom
Comment by admin — March 1, 2010 @ 5:21 am
Amazing my brother!! God has truly revealed this to you!!
Comment by Joseph Garza — March 20, 2010 @ 8:27 pm
Here, Here! “Perfect”! Thanks!
Comment by Ivy Garmon — April 24, 2010 @ 7:50 pm
Amen to Every Word! May I reblog this?
Comment by Glenda Bixler — May 14, 2010 @ 9:19 am
Go for it, Glenda! Just link to me.
Thanks!!
Comment by admin — May 15, 2010 @ 5:46 am
I think if you are allowing someone who calls themself a Christian to deter you from serving Christ, then you really aren’t following Christ. If Christ is truly living within you, nothing anyone says or does will be able to sway you. Christ said that you should know the truth and the truth will set you free. To know the truth you have to study and spend time with Christ so that He can take precedence in your life. What someone else says or does shouldn’t matter to you if you know Christ is living inside of you.
Comment by Leslie — June 2, 2010 @ 8:24 am
Hmmmmmm, but I am following Christ, and he is so so real to me. I’m not letting others deter me from following Christ, but part of following Christ is recognizing when others who say they are, are not and speaking up so that others can know the truth and be set free!
Comment by admin — June 2, 2010 @ 3:17 pm
Thank you Mongoose and thank you David.
(Comment by David+ — February 28, 2010 @ 7:29 am)
I, too, like David was searching for the Gandhi quote and have just found your page Mongoose Mom.
It is amazing even though we have been hurt by such people it is with the Love of Christ that we have survived. That is when we realise how strong our faith is.
Glad I am not a counterfeit Christian!
Comment by Pauline. — June 26, 2010 @ 5:30 am
This is exactly how I feel about Christians and Christianity in general. I like Christ and the message of the gospel. But I don’t think I can be a Christian with all the Christians in the world.
Comment by dave — July 22, 2010 @ 7:03 pm
Thank you MongooseMom for this wonderful post. It’s obvious that you have a real conscious contact with Christ. The only thing I would change is the term brokenness to humanness. I don’t think Christ sees us as broken but as beautiful children of God that need our knees to be kissed when we fall down and skin them, not condemed for falling. Only the church, and those pious christians Ghandi saw, scold us for being less than perfect. It’s through your authentic humanness that Christ was able to reach out and touch my heart, and from what I read in these comments many others.
Comment by Marty — August 24, 2010 @ 7:55 am
Marty,
That is perfect! The word “humanness” captures what I am trying to say so much better. The brokenness word can so easily be misunderstood! THANK YOU for that thought.
I love how the real Jesus is so good through and through. It surprises us when we encounter him after so much religious hogwash. Thanks for writing!
Comment by admin — August 24, 2010 @ 1:03 pm
So blessed to have found your site. I am broken and in need of a healer. Jesus is near to the broken hearted and there is no better place to be than in his arms.
I have done things to break my own spirit and have had it broken by others. Jesus is the Repairer of all broken in me. When all has seemed hopeless, beyond restoration, he has proven himself by doing the impossible. He is my one Great Love, my dancing partner, playmate, physician, comforter, joy.
I am not in love with or restored by a church, doctrine/theology, or philosophy, but by a Person. His name is Jesus.
Comment by Lore — September 5, 2010 @ 8:14 am
Lore,
A-Men, Sis-tah!
I’m so sorry for all the hurt you are feeling.
Hugs to you today!
Dave,
Make your own decision. I pray no one will deter you from finding the Truth. He is a person. Jesus.
Comment by admin — September 5, 2010 @ 9:05 am