The matter is quite simple. The bible is very easy to…
““The matter is quite simple. The bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly. Take any words in the New Testament and forget everything except pledging yourself to act accordingly. My God, you will say, if I do that my whole life will be ruined. How would I ever get on in the world? Herein lies the real place of Christian scholarship. Christian scholarship is the Church’s prodigious invention to defend itself against the Bible, to ensure that we can continue to be good Christians without the Bible coming too close. Oh, priceless scholarship, what would we do without you? Dreadful it is to fall into the hands of the living God. Yes it is even dreadful to be alone with the New Testament.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Critiques superficial Christianity that avoids true moral action despite biblical teachings.
In simple terms: True faith demands action, not just study.
Key Takeaway
Act on biblical teachings, not just intellectualize.
Themes
religion
authenticity
morality
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
satirical
When to use this quote
- personal ethics
- church teaching
- spiritual study
Key Concepts
existentialism
faith practice
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance belief and action?
- What prevents people from living their faith?
A Different Perspective
May alienate believers who value tradition.