As to Jesus of Nazareth, my Opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think the System of Morals and his Religion, as he left them to us, the best the world ever saw or is likely to see; but I apprehend it has received various corrupt changes, and I have, with most of the present Dissenters in England, some Doubts as to his divinity; tho' it is a question I do not dogmatize upon, having never studied it, and I think it needless to busy myself with it now, when I expect soon an Opportunity of knowing the Truth with less Trouble.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Franklin praises Jesus's moral system but expresses doubt about his divinity while avoiding dogmatic judgment.
- In plain terms
- Jesus's teachings are valuable, but his divine status is uncertain and not worth extensive debate.
- What can you take from it?
- Moral value can be recognized without settling theological questions about divinity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can morality exist without belief in divinity?
- When is theological debate productive?
Another view
The quote dismisses deeper theological inquiry as unnecessary.
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