That the zeal for God's honor is also a dangerous passion…
“That the zeal for God's honor is also a dangerous passion, that the Christian must bring with him the courage to swim against the tide instead of with it... accept a good deal of loneliness, will perhaps be nowhere so clear and palpable as in the church, where he would so much like things to be different. Yet he cannot and he will not refuse to take this risk and pay this price... he belongs where the reformation of the church is underway or will again be underway.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A devout Christian must accept solitude and risk, opposing prevailing currents, to help reform the church.
In simple terms: Accept loneliness and risk to reform the church.
Key Takeaway
Embrace courage and solitude for change.
Themes
faith
reform
solitude
courage
risk
Mood
solemn
determined
reflective
Type
theological
motivational
When to use this quote
- pastoral counseling
- church leadership
- activism
- spiritual retreats
- community building
Key Concepts
theology
ecclesiology
personal sacrifice
Questions to Reflect On
- Are you willing to stand apart for reform?
- How does solitude strengthen conviction?
A Different Perspective
Such zeal may alienate believers and cause personal hardship.