Mahatma Gandhi’s Inspiration for Confronting Fundamentalism

Arun Gandhi, Chair of the Interfaith Alliance, is co-founder of the M. K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence in Memphis, Tennessee. This article is reprinted with the permission of the Interfaith Alliance.

Commentary from Arun Gandhi–February 2003

Mahatma Gandhi would be disappointed — and troubled — by the growing religious intolerance here in America and around the world.

Religious hatred and polarization are increasing. In America and elsewhere in the world, religious extremists have been quite successful in manipulating their view of religion for political and economic gain. These extremists wrongfully fan the passions of intolerance and fear (and sometimes outright violence) in the name of God – and in pursuit of narrow political agendas.

I have been disappointed to hear religious leaders misuse religion — by damning their political opponents, claiming partisan support of God, and polarizing America with extremist political agendas. Some national leaders in Washington D.C. are trying to divide the world via religion - oversimplifying and demonizing other religions and people.

Yet, in the face of all these issues, my grandfather would be a source of inspiration, guidance and strength — he would humbly offer his suggestions for meeting these difficult challenges.

I’ve thought a lot about the problems we face as a people and as a country, and have devoted my life to preserving my grandfather’s writings and furthering his tradition.I was fortunate enough to spend my teenage years with him, as Mahatma Gandhi calmed violent crowds - with only his frail body, famous walking stick, and words of profound wisdom.

In these difficult times, Grandfather Gandhi would remind us to:

Be open to the beauty of beliefs that are different than yours.

Resist the temptation to wall yourself off from all the fears in the world and do not play into the hands of extremists who say the best solution is to divide the world as well as people in America along religious lines. In this modern age, we are unavoidably connected to the world, and these futile attempts to wall ourselves off from people who disagree with us are simply the wrong strategy.

Popular support does not validate the “correctness” of our opponents.

Mahatma Gandhi spent most of his life trying to defend the rights of persecuted religious sects or ethnic groups who were being ignored, discriminated against, or slaughtered. Time and time again, the dominant forces believed in their moral superiority because of their apparent strength in numbers at that point in time. This thought is very evident in America today, with some Americans are even suggesting that proper morality or ethics can only be found in their narrow view of ultra-conservative Christianity or other extremist vision they’re promoting.

Grandfather told us and showed us that the soundness and fairness of our ideas will ultimately prevail — regardless of the size or power of the opposing forces — IF we show the required tenacity, inner strength and flexibility required for the longer struggle for justice.

His storied life demonstrated the power of love, forgiveness, patience, conviction, nonviolent activism, polite discourse, and a search for common ground and better understanding.

While grandfather would admit that, “Democracy necessarily means a conflict of will and ideas, involving sometimes a war … between different ideas,” he would also point out that claims of religious supremacy are dangerous - if left unchallenged by fair-minded intelligent souls.

Fundamentalists have created an explosive atmosphere all over the world.

Whether it’s Christian extremists here in America, radical Hindu nationalists in India, or Muslim fundamentalists in the Middle East or South Asia: these religious extremists have exploited their religion and followers — to debase and misinterpret other religions and people.

And the violence and hatred they preach only leads to more destruction and polarization.

While we can be respectful in our protest and civil in our activism, we cannot afford to sit back and allow the Christian Coalition or any other group claim that our government should adopt one version of religious beliefs for its policies and laws.

One simple reminder he left us is:

Listen to your inner voice — and become the change you wish to see.

We all have a tendency to wait for the other person (particularly our opponent) to make the first move — to change before we are willing to change.

We also know that the path of hate, retribution and a thirst for “an eye for an eye” justice will make the whole world blind.

Mahatma Gandhi taught us that it’s important to start with yourself in seeking the transformation you want to see realized in the world and in your community. He would gently remind you that we all have an obligation to do our part, no matter how difficult the task may seem.

We cannot let fundamentalist zealots silence or stop us in our pursuit of a more just, fair, open, civil and peaceful community, country and world.

April 2003