Never has any one been less a priest than Jesus, never a greater enemy of forms, which stifle religion under the pretext of protecting it. By this we are all his disciples and his successors; by this he has laid the eternal foundation-stone of true religion; and if religion is essential to humanity, he has by this deserved the Divine rank the world has accorded him.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Jesus opposed rigid religious forms that stifle spirit; this is the true foundation of religion.
- In plain terms
- Jesus hated formal rules that kill true faith; that is why he matters.
- What can you take from it?
- Focus on spiritual essence over religious formalities.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do forms help or hinder faith?
- What makes true religion?
Another view
Forms can also provide necessary structure for communities.
More from Ernest Renan
In morals, truth is but little prized when it is a mere sentiment, and only attains its full value when realized in the world as fact.
Permalink to quote #4 To conceive the good, in fact, is not sufficient; it must be made to succeed among men. To accomplish this less pure paths must be followed.
Permalink to quote #6 He whom God has touched will always be a being apart: he is, whatever he may do, a stranger among men; he is marked by a sign.
Permalink to quote #3
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