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Christianity has had to give up one piece after another of what it still imagined it possessed in the way of explanations of the universe. In this development it grows more and more into an expression of what constitutes its real nature. In a remarkable process of spiritualization it advances further and further from naive naivete into the region of profound naivete. The greater the number of explanations that slip from its hands, the more is the first of the Beatitudes, which may indeed be regarded as prophetic word concerning Christianity, fulfilled: 'Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.'

Albert Schweitzer#40

SpiritualityFaithReligionChristianityHumilityEvolutionTheology

About this quote

What does it mean?
Religion evolves by dropping scientific explanations and focusing on spiritual poverty and humility.
In plain terms
Faith changes as it lets go of explaining the world.
What can you take from it?
Focus on spiritual humility rather than explaining everything.

Where it applies

  • theological study
  • personal faith
  • apologetics

Putting it to work

  • study theology
  • practice humility
  • reflect on faith

Questions to consider

  • How has your faith changed over time?
  • What matters most in religion?

Another view

Some believers may resist losing traditional explanations.

More from Albert Schweitzer

  1. It is the fate of 'little faiths' of truth that they, true followers of Peter, whether they be Roman or the Protestant observance, cry out and sink in the sea …

    Permalink to quote #39
  2. When Christianity becomes conscious of its innermost nature, it realizes that it is godliness rising our of inward constraint. The highest knowledge is to know…

    Permalink to quote #41
  3. When in the spring the withered gray of the pastures gives place to green, this is due to the millions of young shoots which sprout up freshly from the old roo…

    Permalink to quote #38

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