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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.

Benjamin Franklin#25

FaithMoralityChristianityDivinityJesusTheology

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

  • religious study
  • theological discussion
  • personal belief systems

Putting it to work

  • study moral teachings
  • evaluate religious claims
  • respect theological diversity

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.

More from Benjamin Franklin

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  2. That Being, who gave me existence, and through almost threescore years has been continually showering his favors upon me, whose very chastisements have been bl…

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  3. I have read your Manuscript with some Attention. By the Arguments it contains against the Doctrine of a particular Providence, tho' you allow a general Provide…

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