Skip to content

Tell me, you vain professor, when did you shed a tear for…

“Tell me, you vain professor, when did you shed a tear for the deadness, hardness, unbelief, or earthliness of your heart? Do you think that such an easy religion can save you? If so, we may invert Christ's words and say, 'Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to life, and may there…” quote by John Flavel
Download Open image
“Tell me, you vain professor, when did you shed a tear for the deadness, hardness, unbelief, or earthliness of your heart? Do you think that such an easy religion can save you? If so, we may invert Christ's words and say, 'Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to life, and may there be that go in there.'”

John Flavel

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

True faith requires emotional depth; superficial religion cannot save you.

In simple terms: Deep feeling matters more than shallow belief.

Key Takeaway

Seek genuine spiritual depth.

Themes

faith emotion religion critique

Mood

serious contemplative

Type

theological inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal crisis
  • moral decision
  • community worship

Key Concepts

spirituality authenticity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does a “wide gate” symbolize?
  • How can you cultivate heartfelt belief?
A Different Perspective

Emotional intensity can be overwhelming.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by John Flavel

Explore all 113 John Flavel quotes

More Broads quotes

Browse all 956 Broads quotes