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The Jaina Philosophy
altered at all by the ill befitting robe of “loving mercy" in which theologians have enveloped him.
I do not see how the dogmas and doctrines presented by the Christian ministers or missionaries can ever elevate the spiritual state of any nation. The doctrine concerning the Godhead the destiny of soul and the purpose of existence as taught by the Christian clergy are so incompatible with ancient philosophy or modern science that instead of furthering the development of humanity, they would and have arrested its growth in this world and the next.
I beg you to bear in mind that I do not mean in any sense to say that the religions as now practised in India are not in any necessity of purification. I acknowledge that the Hindu religion will beat regeneration but that must come from the earnest and united efforts of the Hindus themselves. There are visible signs in India for the revival of the ancient philosophy but to expect dogmatic Christianity to take root among the Hindus has seemed not only to the Hindus but to the thinking and intelligent foreigners to be absurd.
The earnest efforts therefore of the missionaries to Christianize India have not only not succeeded, but have proved in many respects harmful. Putting aside the theological view of Christianity – it has spread intolerance – intolerance being the root-principle of Christianity. Toleration of other religions is impossible for Christianity for the simple reason that one of its fundamental doctrines is that there is no salvation outside of its pale.
'They who have never heard the gospel, know not the Jesus Christ, and believe not in him, cannot be saved, be they ever so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature, or the laws of that religion which they profess; neither is there salvation in any other, but in Christ alone, who is the saviour only of his
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