The One Thing Ghandi and Hitler had in Common

By: Al Carlisle

Jhn 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Jhn 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

A co-worker and I were having our usual discussion concerning the basic Christian doctrine of Jesus being the only way to heaven. He said what so many in the world also believe: “ Any doctrine that condemns souls like that of Ghandi to an eternity of suffering is not a doctrine he could embrace.” Though he readily agreed that Hitler and those despots like him were worthy of such condemnation.

Here in lies the great theological rub. Only the truly evil of the earth are, or should be sent to hell. They have certainly earned their eternal reward, but not the world’s social philanthropist or humanitarians. Those who gave so freely of their time and talents for the betterment of mankind can not or should not be thrown into the same mix with likes of Hitler. Let us look at the lives of these two souls who are part of the “WHO SO EVERS” of John 3:16.

Hitler was raised a Roman Catholic, though he was a non-practicing catholic after leaving his parents home. He did profess a belief in Jesus and often spoke of Christian doctrines and beliefs in his early speeches, and that Christianity is what motivated, in part, his anti-semiteism. As his power increased his true beliefs became more apparent with in his inner circle, where he openly criticized Christianity. Hitler used catholic and protestant customs and traditions to mold them into his own brand of religion where he is the worlds

messiah; a true antichrist. The rest, as we would say now ,” is history.”

Ghandi was a devout Hindu his entire life. He embraced the Hindu philosophy that all religions are of equal value. He was a self taught theologian, studying in depth the worlds great religions. Ghandi was well aware of the message and ministry of Jesus Christ. He had studied the New Testament, but resisted any and all attempts to convert him to any other faith than that of Hindu.

Later in life he was asked about his faith and he replied he was a Hindu, also a Christian, and Muslim, a Jew and a Buddhist.

So, the one thing these two souls had in common was their unbelief in the only begotten son of God, Jesus. All of the Christian exposure Hitler had and his ability to talk of Christianity, and even calling himself a Christian when the moment called for it couldn’t keep him out of Hell.

Nor could all of the good deeds of a meek and humble man who only wanted peace and freedom. With all of the wisdom of an educated man who sought truth, but denied it when the truth was presented, could get him into Heaven.