Gandhi’s Use of Scriptures: A Hermeneutic of Nonviolence against Letters That Kill

Against the background of differing opinions about Gandhi’s views on relationship between political action and religious inspiration, this paper examines his use scriptures, if he made hermeneutical decisions so, what they were. The starting point is a letter from Gandhi in which pleaded against reading scriptures literally named truth, ahiṃsā, living faith as criteria. Reason most important, but with limitations; nonviolence, never at stake, definition may be called hiṃsā, or dependent place, time, situation. Faith-based truth Faith = God enabled language definitively bridged secular. For an understanding personal faith, statements Rama Ramarajya Kingdom earth are important. found leading principle 2 Cor 3:6: “the kills, Spirit gives life,” comparing it often literal vs. figurative reading. connecting factor Paul was their situation, more fully explained for Paul. Both tried different perspective to reformulate heritages new way by claiming that now-defended already present scriptures. needed key killing life-giving Spirit. Gandhi, meant right expand original meaning texts realise ahiṃsā hic et nunc. last section offers examples changing contexts: opening temples Travancore, approaches Gita, exegesis Galatians, readings Hebrew Bible.