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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 that we are surrounded by mystery. Neither knowledge nor hope for the future can be the pivot of our life or determine its direction. It is intended to be solely determined by our allowing ourselves to be gripped by the ethical God, who reveals Himself in us, and by our yielding our will to His.

Albert Schweitzer#41

FaithReligionSpiritConstraintDivinity

About this quote

What does it mean?
True religion arises from inner divine constraint rather than knowledge or hope.
In plain terms
Godliness comes from within, not from thinking or hoping.
What can you take from it?
Follow inner divine guidance.

Where it applies

  • theological reflection
  • spiritual practice

Putting it to work

  • align will with values
  • seek inner guidance

Questions to consider

  • What guides your choices?
  • Is knowledge the path to God?

Another view

Intellectual faith also has merit.

More from Albert Schweitzer

  1. 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 …

    Permalink to quote #40
  2. Anyone who proposes to do good must not expect people to roll stones out of his way, but must accept his lot calmly if they even roll a few more upon it. A str…

    Permalink to quote #42
  3. 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

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