Christian, n.: one who believes that the New Testament is a divinely inspired book admirably suited to the spiritual needs of his neighbor.
Interpretation
The quote critiques the interpretation of Christianity as a means to serve personal beliefs rather than spiritual needs.
Ambrose Bierce's definition of a 'Christian' highlights the ironic and sometimes self-serving nature of belief systems that claim to cater to the spiritual needs of others. It suggests that one's faith may often be more about personal validation and less about genuine altruism, raising questions about the authenticity of such beliefs in the context of community and spirituality.
In practice
In a sermon discussing the true nature of faith and community support.
PALM, n. A species of tree . . . of which the familiar "itching palm" ("Palma hominis") is most widely distributed . . . . This noble vegetable exudes a kind of invisible gum, which may be detected by applying to the bark a piece of gold or silver.
Human nature is pretty well balanced; for every lacking virtue there is a rough substitute that will serve at a pinch--as cunning is the wisdom of the unwise, and ferocity the courage of the coward.
Indigestion: A disease which the patient and his friends frequently mistake for deep religious conviction and concern for the salvation of mankind. As the simple Red Man of the Western Wild put it, with, it must be confessed, a certain force: 'Plenty well, no pray; big belly ache, heap God.'
Disobey n:To celebrate with an appropriate ceremony the maturity of a command
NOUMENON, n. That which exists, as distinguished from that which merely seems to exist, the latter being a phenomenon. The noumenon is a bit difficult to locate; it can be apprehended only by a process of reasoning - which is a phenomenon.
PARDON, v. To remit a penalty and restore to the life of crime. To add to the lure of crime the temptation of ingratitude.
I do not regard a broker as a member of the human race.
Islamophobia has become so mainstream in this country that Americans have been trained to expect violence against Muslims - not excuse it, but expect it. And that's happened because you have an Islamophobia industry in this country devoted to making Americans think there's an enemy within.
I am the Bad Wolf. I create myself. I take the words. I scatter them... in time, and space. A message to lead myself here.
Mythology is often defined as 'other peoples' religions', religion can be thought of as misinterpreted mythology.
More than by fear of going astray, my hope is that we will be moved by the fear of remaining shut up within structures which give us a false sense of security, within rules which make us harsh judges, within habits which make us feel safe, while at our door people are starving and Jesus does not tire of saying to us: 'Give them something to eat.'
Reactionary: a man walking backwards with his face to the future.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.