My Parents had early given me religious Impressions, and…
““My Parents had early given me religious Impressions, and brought me through my Childhood piously in the Dissenting Way. But I was scarce 15 when, after doubting by turns of several Points as I found them disputed in the different Books I read, I began to doubt of Revelation itself . Some Books against Deism fell into my Hands; they were said to be the Substance of Sermons preached at Boyle's Lectures. It happened that they wrought an Effect on me quite contrary to what was intended by them: For the Arguments of the Deists which were quoted to be refuted, appeared to me much Stronger than the Refutations. In short I soon became a thorough Deist . [ Part I, p. 45 of autobiography ]””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He describes moving from a religious upbringing to deism after questioning scriptural contradictions and finding deist arguments more convincing.
In simple terms: Questioned faith, adopted deism.
Key Takeaway
Question beliefs, seek evidence.
Themes
religion
skepticism
intellectual growth
Mood
contemplative
curious
Type
reflective
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- education
- reading
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
deism
critical inquiry
faith crisis
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile doubt with belief?
- What role does evidence play in faith?
A Different Perspective
Deist arguments may overlook emotional aspects of faith.