Beware of the man of one book.

Beware of the man of one book.

Theology is never any help; it is searching in a dark cellar at midnight for a black cat that isn't read more

Theology is never any help; it is searching in a dark cellar at midnight for a black cat that isn't there. Theologians can persuade themselves of anything.

The discussions of every age are filled with the issues on which its leading schools of thought differ. But the read more

The discussions of every age are filled with the issues on which its leading schools of thought differ. But the general intellectual atmosphere of the time is always determined by the views on which the opposing schools agree. They become the unspoken presuppositions of all thought, and common and unquestioningly accepted foundations on which all discussion proceeds.

The object of opening the mind as of opening the mouth is to close it again on something solid.

The object of opening the mind as of opening the mouth is to close it again on something solid.

If a man would follow, today, the teachings of the Old Testament, he would be a criminal. If he would read more

If a man would follow, today, the teachings of the Old Testament, he would be a criminal. If he would follow the teachings of the new, he would be insane.

A wise man proportions his belief to the evidence.

A wise man proportions his belief to the evidence.

The minister's brain is often the "poor-box" of the church.

The minister's brain is often the "poor-box" of the church.

In the relationship between man and religion, the state is firmly committed to a position of neutrality.

In the relationship between man and religion, the state is firmly committed to a position of neutrality.

When we debunk a fanatical faith or prejudice, we do not strike at the root of fanaticism. We merely prevent read more

When we debunk a fanatical faith or prejudice, we do not strike at the root of fanaticism. We merely prevent its leaking out at a certain point, with the likely result that it will leak out at some other point. Thus by denigrating prevailing beliefs and loyalties, the militant man of words unwittingly creates in the disillusioned masses a hunger for faith. For the majority of people cannot endure the barrenness and futility of their lives unless they have some ardent dedication, or some passionate pursuit in which they can lose themselves. Thus, in spite of himself, the scoffing man of words becomes the precursor of a new faith.