It would be worthy of the age to print together the collected Scriptures or Sacred Writings of the several nations, the Chinese, the Hindoos, the Persians, the Hebrews, and others, as the Scripture of mankind. The New Testament is still, perhaps, too much on the lips and in the hearts of men to be called a Scripture in this sense. Such a juxtaposition and comparison might help to liberalize the faith of men. This is a work which Time will surely edit, reserved to crown the labors of the printing-press. This would be the Bible, or Book of Books, which let the missionaries carry to the uttermost parts of the earth.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Thoreau proposes compiling sacred writings from many cultures into a single 'Scripture of mankind' to broaden faith and aid missionaries.
- In plain terms
- He suggests a universal collection of world scriptures to promote understanding.
- What can you take from it?
- Comparative study of sacred texts can broaden perspectives.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can a single volume respect all traditions?
- What challenges arise in comparative compilation?
Another view
Such a collection could dilute distinct traditions.
More from Henry David Thoreau
It is remarkable that, notwithstanding the universal favor with which the New Testament is outwardly received, and even the bigotry with which it is defended, …
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Permalink to quote #84 The New Testament is an invaluable book, though I confess to having been slightly prejudiced against it in my very early days by the church and the Sabbath sch…
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