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In his learned book
Vedanta and its ethical aspects the late Prof. K. Sundaramier points out in pages 280-281
that the gospel of St. Matthew’s as we read it in our Bible (last 12 verses) is
without doubt not genuine, as in fact these verses -are wanting in the oldest manuscript.
He has given this as the opinion of Dr. William Wrede as found in the latter's book The
Origin of the New Testament (page 54). Whatever that may be, the later Christian Church in
the Apostelic Age was influenced strongly by the idea of establishing a universal Church.
It should be noted that even those who do not believe in religion attach
great importance to humanitarian service inspired by noble and humanitarian ideals. This
is well known as Humanism. Humanism contends that this world is our chief interest and
perfection of humanity our one ideal. In the sayings of Jesus Christ in the Bible -
Book of St. Matthew’s - Chapter 25 - Paragraph 40 - is enunciated the religion of
love, namely that it is the duty of every one to do humanitarian service and it is added
that such service is also a funda- mental part of religion. Love for one's fellow men is
the highest humanitarian ideal and also a religious goal. Service to one's fellow men is
essentially service to God.
In the following pages it shall be my endeavor to point out
that our ancient Indian classics have not been behind hand in laying down these ideals of
service, philanthropy and love towards one's fellow-men as part of one's religious duty
and proclaiming in no uncertain terms that the path of love and service is also the path
to the realisation of God-head.
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