During his lifetime, Mahatma Gandhi contributed to different social issues. This paper evaluates three main issues that Gandhi addressed. These include solving the difference about worshiping God, adoption of non-violence in revolution and discrimination amongst the Hindu caste system.
Muslims, Hindus and Christians worship the same God
According to Gandhi, all people worship the same God despite their religious differences. Gandhi appreciates the existence of difference in the name of God amongst the Muslims, Hindus and Christians. However, he asserts that the various names used to refer to God are not a representative of His individuality but His attributes. As a result, Allah in Muslim, Ishvara in Hinduism and God amongst the Christians refer to the same spirit.
In his reference to God, man has made an effort to give God different attributes in an effort to illustrate His mighty. However, Gandhi is of the opinion that God is immeasurable and indescribable. He further advices people to live like brothers and sisters and respect all religions.
Additionally, no religion should be considered as being superior to another which means that no one is justified in trying to convert other people to his or her faith. In summary, Gandhi advices people to understand the fact that God is omnipresent and all-powerful and that He searches a person’s inner-being in order bless him or her.
Incorporation of non-violence when seeking for justice
Gandhi played a critical role during India’s struggle against the British imperialism. In his leadership, Gandhi advocated for non-violence as a methodology of fighting against the British rule. According to Gandhi, non-violence is an effective mechanism in advocating for peace (Mayton 4).
In order for the concept of non-violence to be applicable, Gandhi is of the opinion that it is critical for individuals to appreciate the difference between an individual and his or her actions (Mayton 6).One should ‘hate sin and not the sinner’. All individuals should consider one another as being children of one creator. Additionally, truth, empathy and patience should guide one in seeking justice.
Difference between the Hindu caste systems
The Hindu community is organized into two main social orders referred to as the caste system. The caste system has been in existence within the Hindu community for centuries. The caste system divides the society into two which social orders which includes the upper caste and the lower caste.
The upper caste is considered to be for the privileged people in the society while the lower caste is considered to be composed of the poor. People within the lower caste are considered to be condemned by those in the upper caste. Despite being born in the upper caste, Gandhi was very compassionate about people from the lower caste. This is due to the fact that the lower caste was extensively being discriminated.
During his lifetime, Gandhi had experienced different forms of discrimination. As a result, he appreciated the importance of fighting for the ‘untouchables’ in the society. He pressurized for a stop in discrimination within the society just because of difference in social status.
Summary
The analysis has evaluated three main contemporary social issues that Gandhi advocated for. These include the fact that God is one despite the differences in religion amongst Muslims, Hindus and Christians. Gandhi also recommends people to adopt non-violence means when seeking justice. Additionally, Gandhi asserts that there should be no discrimination in the society on the basis of social status.
Works Cited
Mayton, Daniel. Non-violence and peace psychology; intrapersonal, interpersonal, societal and world peace. Heldelberg, DE: Springer, 2009. Print.