But what will happen even if we do burn down the Jews…
“But what will happen even if we do burn down the Jews synagogues and forbid them publicly to praise God, to pray, to teach, to utter God's name? They will still keep doing it in secret. If we know that they are doing this in secret, it is the same as if they were doing it publicly. for our knowledge of their secret doings and our toleration of them implies that they are not secret after all and thus our conscience is encumbered with it before God.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Luther argues that secret religious practices are effectively public, so tolerance makes them no longer secret, burdening conscience.
In simple terms: Secret worship is as visible as public when known.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden actions as accountable.
Themes
religion
conscience
tolerance
authority
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
theological
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- church policy
- legal frameworks
- interfaith dialogue
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
theology
ethics
social control
Questions to Reflect On
- How does secrecy affect moral responsibility?
- Can tolerance coexist with surveillance?
A Different Perspective
Assumes knowledge of secret actions is accurate and universally enforceable.