Page:The Oriental Christ.djvu/21

 INTRODUCTION

" THE estimates of character vary, if viewed from different stand-points. Particularly when the singularity of a nature happens to lie in its many- sidedness, representations of it may be conflicting, but quite genuine and correct. It never formed part of the principles of the Brahmo Somaj to maintain that its ideas respecting the life and teachings of great prophets admitted of no correction or improve- ment. In fact its absolute teachableness on such subjects is its only spiritual peculiarity. The Brah- mos have therefore, in a uniform spirit of humility, criticised other men's notions, trusting that, like themselves, their neighbors will not be ashamed to learn from them. The utterances of the Brahmo Somaj of India at different times on the founder of Christianity, and some of its doctrines have created a good deal of agitation in the Christian communities of other countries. A principal point of difference between the Christians and the Brahmos on such matters is this. The latter maintain that the life and teachings of Jesus have been presented by