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Although the loose will be more loose (yet) possibly being at more liberty they may be put upon consideration and choice of ways of life and peace, yet, however, it is infinitely better that the profane and loose be unmasked than to be muffled up under the veil and hood of traditional hypocrisy, which turns and dulls the very edge of all conscience either toward God or man.

Roger Williams#19

ReligionFreedomConscienceHypocrisyTradition

About this quote

What does it mean?
It is better for loose individuals to be free and make choices than to hide under false traditions that dull conscience.
In plain terms
Better to be openly loose than to hide behind fake tradition that kills conscience.
What can you take from it?
Honesty about beliefs matters more than pretending to follow tradition.

Where it applies

  • religious practice
  • community norms
  • moral formation

Putting it to work

  • encouraging authenticity
  • questioning traditional masks
  • protecting conscience

Questions to consider

  • Is hypocrisy worse than looseness?
  • What protects conscience today?

Another view

This view may undervalue the social cohesion that tradition provides.

More from Roger Williams

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  2. Such parents or children as aim at the gain and preferment of religion do often mistake gain and gold for godliness, godbelly for the true God, and some false …

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  3. The first grand design of Christ Jesus is to destroy and consume His mortal enemy antichrist. This must be done by the breath of His mouth in His prophets and …

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