Such is my veneration for every religion that reveals the attributes of the Deity, or a future state of rewards and punishments, that I had rather see the opinions of Confucius or Mahomed inculcated upon our youth than see them grow up wholly devoid of a system of religious principles.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the importance of religious beliefs in shaping moral values, even if those beliefs differ.
In this quote, Benjamin Rush emphasizes his deep respect for all religions that promote understanding of the divine and the concepts of reward and punishment in the afterlife. He suggests that it is preferable for youth to learn from the teachings of influential figures like Confucius or Mohammed than to grow up without any religious framework, as such principles are vital for moral development and societal cohesion.
In practice
This quote is perfect for a discussion on the role of religion in modern education.
...This large and expensive stock of drugs will be unnecessary. By...doses of...medicines...multiplying...combining them properly, 20 to 30 articles, aided by the common resources of the lancet, a garden, a kitchen, fresh air, cool water, exercise, will be sufficient to cure all the diseases that are at present under the power of medicine.
The Bible, when not read in schools, is seldom read in any subsequent period of life...The Bible...should be read in our schools in preference to all other books because it contains the greatest portion of that kind of knowledge which is calculated to produce private and public happiness.
The gospel of Jesus Christ prescribes the wisest rules for just conduct in every situation in life. Happy they who are enabled to obey them in all situations!
Dissections daily convince us of our ignorance of the seats of diseases, and cause us to blush at our prescriptions. How often are we disappointed in our expectation from the most certain and powerful of our remedies, by the negligence or obstinacy of our patients! What mischief have we done under the belief of false facts and false theories! We have assisted in multiplying diseases. We have done more — we have increased their mortality.
Temperate, sincere, and intelligent inquiry and discussion are only to be dreaded by the advocates of error. The truth need not fear them.
The art of healing is like an unroofed temple, uncovered at the top and cracked at the foundation.
If a man needs a religion to conduct himself properly in this world, it is a sign that he has either a limited mind or a corrupt heart.
What comes will also go. What always is will alone remain.
Your source material is the people you know, not those you don't know, but every character is an extension of the author's own personality.
The antidote to this abuse of formal Government, is, the influence of private character, the growth of the Individual.
Let us be cautious in making assertions and critical in examining them, but tolerant in permitting linguistic forms.
Conscience is the internal perception of the rejection of a particular wish operating within us.
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