The Church no longer contends that knowledge is in itself…
“The Church no longer contends that knowledge is in itself sinful, though it did so in its palmy days; but the acquisition of knowledge, even though not sinful, is dangerous, since it may lead to pride of intellect, and hence to a questioning of the Christian dogma.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Russell warns that knowledge can breed intellectual pride, leading to questioning of religious doctrine, which he sees as dangerous.
In simple terms: Knowledge may cause pride and doubt in faith.
Key Takeaway
Guard humility when seeking knowledge.
Themes
intellectual pride
religion
knowledge
danger
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic study
- personal belief
- faith discussions
Key Concepts
philosophy
epistemology
theology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance learning with humility?
- When does questioning become disrespect?
A Different Perspective
Excessive confidence can erode faith.