Gandhi Before Gandhi

Author(s): Bipin Doshi, Priti Shah
Publisher: Jain Academy Educational Research Center Promotion Trust Mumbai

Page 20

GANDHI BEFORE GANDHI
Bitter truths of Ist Parliament of world religions-Chicago, 1893.
no stone unturned to pick up and abuse the various beliefs and traditions of other religions.
Defending speeches of Vivekananda and Virchand Gandhi met with unholy and uncivilized comments from many missionaries. When both of them argued against the Christian belief 'I am full of sin,' it was felt by Christians as if their Bible was challenged.
The 1st parliament of world religions had clear intention of exchange of views and beliefs of various religions. It wanted a scholarly interaction amongst the heads of religions. It also wanted to know the grandeur and shortcomings of various systems of faith. It started with the message of tolerance, peace and wisdom. However, let us examine some of the bitter truths of the event.
First of all, there was intense and malicious protest against calling the delegates of various faith at this parliament. Many Christian religious heads thought that Oriental scholars will spoil and contaminate Christian religion.
However, there were many Christian speakers like Prof. Robert, Wolivunski, Henry Infield, George Hood, Don Boardman etc who appreciated the Oriental religions and also the depth to which they have reached. Organizers had expressed even the desire to hold the next Parliament at Varanasi in India. Rev. Chepin with full respect said "We want to learn, sitting at the feet of those gentlemen, full of wisdom, who come from East. Chief of the parliament, Mr Barrows, addressed in his welcome speech, Motherland of religions, pure water of rivers of India, disciple of prince Siddhartha Buddha, those who are enlightening Asia, we welcome you.'
Secondly, there were Christian speakers, outnumbering speakers of other faith as the event was in a country dominated by Christians and many Christian religious heads and scholars would have the desire to use the historic platform for expressing their views. This led to overall dominance of speeches of Christianity and mainly it encompassed the praise and propagation of Christianity.
Many could not resist to declare that Christianity is the best religion and one can't have the entry in the kingdom of heaven unless you are a Christian. The faith in one God and sacrifice of Jesus to wash the sins of man, was highlighted often. To this extent it was fine but many speakers, in there over enthusiasm, not only criticized the other faiths but also kept
Eminent Methodist Church speaker Rev B. W. Ornate writes, "Lots of misunderstandings by Christians are dispelled by Orient scholars. They have realised that "Goodness" does not come with colour." President Bonney in his concluding remark said, "This was a conference of friendship and not the ground for battle, even if any one from the West has mistakenly instigated the war, we praise our friends from East who pray to God saying, "O God, forgive them as they do not know what they are doing."