'And Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself.' Acts 26:24. And so say all the world, the men who know not God, of all that are of Paul's religion: of every one who is so a follower of him as he was of Christ. It is true, there is a sort of religion, nay, and it is called Christianity too, which may be practised without any such Imputation, which is generally allowed to be consistent with common sense, -that is, a religion of form, a round of outward duties, performed in a decent, regular manner. You may add orthodoxy thereto, a system of right opinions, yea, and some quantity of heathen morality; and yet not many will pronounce, that 'much religion hath made you mad.' But if you aim at the religion of the heart, if you talk of 'righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost,' then it will not be long before your sentence is passed, 'Thou art beside thyself.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- True heartfelt religion often looks like madness to those who follow only outward rules.
- In plain terms
- Deep faith seems crazy to conventional people.
- What can you take from it?
- Authentic faith may seem strange.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does faith seem irrational?
- How do you handle social judgment?
Another view
Labeling passion as madness can dismiss valid spiritual experiences.
More from John Wesley
I value all things only by the price they shall gain in eternity.
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