It is as absurd to argue men, as to torture them, into believing.
John Henry NewmanRead
What can this world offer comparable with that insight into spiritual things, that keen faith, that heavenly peace, that high sanctity, that everlasting righteousness, that hope of glory, which they have, who in sincerity love and follow our Lord Jesus Christ?
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the unparalleled value of spiritual insight and faith in Jesus Christ compared to worldly offerings.
John Henry Newman reflects on the supreme worth of spiritual understanding and the inner peace and righteousness that come from sincerely following Jesus Christ. He suggests that no material or worldly possession can match the profound joy, hope, and sanctity that faith provides, highlighting the importance and superiority of spiritual devotion over temporal concerns.
In practice
This quote can be used in a sermon to inspire the congregation about the value of spiritual life.
It is as absurd to argue men, as to torture them, into believing.
A cloud of incense was rising on high; the people suddenly all bowed low; what could it mean? The truth flashed on him, fearfully yet sweetly; it was the Blessed Sacrament - it was the Lord Incarnate who was on the altar, who had come to visit and bless his people. It was the Great Presence, which makes a Catholic Church different from every other place in the world; which makes it, as no other place can be - holy.
It is seldom we have the heart to throw ourselves, if I may so speak, on the Divine Arm; we dare not trust ourselves on the waters, though Christ bids us. We have not St. Peter's love to ask leave to come to him upon the sea. When we once are filled with that heavenly charity, we can do all things, because we attempt all things - for to attempt is to do.
Now what is it moves our very hearts, and sickens us so much at cruelty shown to poor brutes? I suppose this first, that they have done no harm; next, that they have no power whatever of resistance; it is the cowardice and tyranny of which they are the victims which makes their sufferings so especially touching.
A science is not mere knowledge, it is knowledge which has undergone a process of intellectual digestion. It is the grasp of many things brought together in one, and hence is its power; for, properly speaking, it is Science that is power, not Knowledge.
Evil has no substance of its own, but is only the defect, excess, perversion, or corruption of that which has substance.
Physicians of the utmost fame, Were called at once; but when they came They answered, as they took their fees, 'There is no Cure for this Disease.'
Religion survives because it answers three questions that every reflective person must ask. Who am I? Why am I here? How then shall I live?
Maybe I am naive, but I don't think talking about the Holocaust with total and complete cynicism is possible for Israeli politicians. It's inevitable that the Holocaust is part of Israeli politics.
When the gospel is at stake, everything is at stake.
I've given my life to the principle and the ideal of memory, and remembrance.
What is my nothingness to the stupor that awaits you?
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.