Cabalistic Christianity, which is Catholic Christianity, and which has prevailed for 1,500 years, has received a mortal wound, of which the monster must finally die. Yet so strong is his constitution, that he may endure for centuries before he expires.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Adams describes Catholic Christianity as a long‑standing monster now mortally wounded, yet resilient enough to persist for centuries.
- In plain terms
- He calls Catholicism a dying monster that still endures.
- What can you take from it?
- Even weakened institutions can survive long periods.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What factors allow institutions to persist despite decline?
- How does language shape our view of religion?
Another view
The metaphor is biased and overlooks positive contributions.
More from John Adams
The priesthood have, in all ancient nations, nearly monopolized learning. Read over again all the accounts we have of Hindoos, Chaldeans, Persians, Greeks, Rom…
Permalink to quote #37 As long as Property exists, it will accumulate in Individuals and Families. As long as Marriage exists, Knowledge, Property and Influence will accumulate in Fa…
Permalink to quote #39 Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide.
Permalink to quote #36
Related quotes
'Indeed all people of this country owe a vote of gratitude to the church for what it has done to this country in the course of our civilisation. I urge us to r…
Josefa VosanibolaJosefa Vosanibola quote #4 Admittedly, I do have several bones... whole war fields full of bones, in fact... to pick with organised religion of whatever stripe. This should be seen as a …
Alan MooreAlan Moore quote #5 The Church is now more like the Scribes and Pharisees than like Christ... What are now called the 'essential doctrines' of the Christian religion he does not e…
Florence NightingaleFlorence Nightingale quote #13