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You can judge the quality of their faith from the way they behave. Discipline is an index to doctrine.
Tertullian
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Faith is reflected in one's behavior, and discipline shows the strength of beliefs.

This quote suggests that a person's beliefs and faith can be observed through their actions. It implies that discipline, how one adheres to their principles and values, serves as a measure of the depth and quality of their beliefs, connecting behavior with one's doctrinal commitments.

Themes

FaithBehaviorDisciplineDoctrineActions

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about integrity, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of backing up beliefs with actions.

More from Tertullian

Whatever is born is the work of God. So whatever is plastered on, is the devil's work.... How unworthy of the Christian name it is to wear a fictitious face - you on whom simplicity in every form is enjoined! You, to whom lying with the tongue is not lawful, are lying in appearance.
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Nature soaks every evil with either fear or shame.
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Examine then, and see if He be not the dispenser of kingdoms, who is Lord at once of the world which is ruled, and of man himself who rules; if He have not ordained the changes of dynasties, with their appointed seasons, who was before all time, and made the world a body of times; if the rise and the fall of states are not the work of Him, under whose sovereignty the human race once existed without states at all.
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For it is really better for us not to know a thing, because [God] has not revealed it to us, than to know it according to man’s wisdom, because he has been bold enough to assume it.
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The first reaction to truth is hatred.
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We say, and we say openly, and while ye torture us, mangled and gory we cry out, "We worship God through Christ!" Believe Him a man: it is through Him and in Him that God willeth Himself to be known and worshipped.
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