Every formula of every religion has in this age of reason, to submit to the acid test of reason and universal assent

Every formula of every religion has in this age of reason, to submit to the acid test of reason and universal assent

Mahatma Gandhi, the revered leader of the Indian independence movement, was a staunch advocate for reason and universal assent in matters of religion. He believed that every formula of every religion should be subjected to the acid test of reason and should be able to garner universal assent in order to be considered valid and true.

Gandhi's approach to religion was deeply rooted in his belief in the power of reason and rationality. He believed that blind faith and dogma had no place in a truly spiritual life. For Gandhi, religion was not about following a set of rigid rules and rituals, but about seeking truth and understanding through reason and introspection.

Gandhi's own spiritual journey was marked by a deep commitment to truth and non-violence. He believed that these principles were universal and transcended any particular religious tradition. In his famous autobiography, "The Story of My Experiments with Truth," Gandhi writes about his struggles to reconcile his own beliefs with the teachings of various religious traditions. He ultimately came to the conclusion that all religions had something valuable to offer, but that they must be subjected to the test of reason and universal assent in order to be truly meaningful.

Gandhi's emphasis on reason and universal assent in matters of religion was not just a philosophical stance, but a practical one as well. He believed that true religious faith should inspire people to work towards the common good and to treat all beings with compassion and respect. This belief was at the core of his philosophy of non-violence, which he used as a powerful tool in the struggle for Indian independence.