What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
George Bernard ShawRead
Gentle Jesus, meek and mild' is a snivelling modern invention, with no warrant in the gospels.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote critiques the common perception of Jesus as overly gentle and weak, suggesting that such an image is not supported by the biblical texts.
George Bernard Shaw's quote challenges the popular portrayal of Jesus as a gentler figure, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of his character as depicted in the Gospels. Shaw implies that the cultural construct of 'Gentle Jesus, meek and mild' is a diluted interpretation that does not align with the more complex and potentially assertive nature of Jesus as presented in religious texts.
Themes
JesusPhilosophyCritiquePerceptionCharacter
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on religious interpretations, one might refer to this quote to emphasize the need for a critical examination of Jesus' portrayal.
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Those who talk most about the blessings of marriage and the constancy of its vows are the very people who declare that if the chain were broken and the prisoners left free to choose, the whole social fabric would fly asunder. You cannot have the argument both ways. If the prisoner is happy, why lock him in? If he is not, why pretend that he is?
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The happiness of credulity is a cheap and dangerous quality.
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