He was one of those men who possess almost every gift, except the gift of the power to use them.
Charles KingsleyRead
We have used the Bible as if it were a mere special constable's handbook, an opium dose for keeping beasts of burden patient while they are overloaded.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques how the Bible has been misused to pacify people rather than inspire genuine moral behavior.
Charles Kingsley's quote highlights the problematic utilization of the Bible, suggesting it has been treated merely as a tool to maintain control over the masses, rather than being embraced as a source of profound moral guidance. Kingsley warns against reducing sacred texts to mere instruments for oppression, advocating for their deeper understanding and rightful application to foster true spiritual and ethical growth.
Themes
BibleMoralControlOppressionPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on the role of religion in governance, one might use this quote to express skepticism about theological misuse.
More from Charles Kingsley
All quotes βBeauty is God's handwriting β a wayside sacrament; welcome it in every fair face, every fair sky, every fair flower, and thank for it Him.
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Take comfort, and recollect however little you and I may know, God knows; He knows Himself and you and me and all things; and His mercy is over all His works.
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Being forced to work, and forced to do your best, will breed in you temperance and self-control, diligence and strength of will, cheerfulness and content, and a hundred virtues which the idle will never know.
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Do today's duty, fight to-day's temptation; and do not weaken and distract yourself by looking forward to things which you cannot see, and could not understand if you saw them.
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You must not talk about 'ain't and can't' when you speak of this great wonderful world round you, of which the wisest man knows only the very smallest corner, and is, as the great Sir Isaac Newton said, only a child picking up pebbles on the shore of a boundless ocean.
Charles KingsleyRead
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