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Being responsible Quote by Mahatma Gandhi

“To say that God permits evil in the world may not be pleasing to the ear. But if He is held responsible for the good, it follows that He has to be responsible for the evil too.” quote by Mahatma Gandhi
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“To say that God permits evil in the world may not be pleasing to the ear. But if He is held responsible for the good, it follows that He has to be responsible for the evil too.”

Mahatma Gandhi

About This Quote

Source Speech: Address to the Indian National Congress, 1930

The quote argues that if a deity is credited with all good, consistency must also be accountable for all evil, challenging the notion of a benevolent but omnipotent God.

In simple terms: If God is responsible for good, He must also be responsible for evil.

Key Takeaway

Consider the full scope of responsibility.

Themes

theology ethics responsibility

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical theological

When to use this quote

  • personal belief
  • philosophical debate
  • interfaith dialogue

Key Concepts

Divine omnipotence problem of evil

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does responsibility mean for a deity?
  • Can good and evil be separated in divine action?
A Different Perspective

It assumes a single deity and may not apply to polytheistic or non-theistic views.

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