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We who preach and write, do so in a manner different from…

“We who preach and write, do so in a manner different from which the Scriptures have been written. We write while we make progress.We learn something new every day. We speak as we still knock for understanding...If anyone criticizes me when I have said what is right, he does me an injustice. But I…” quote by Saint Augustine
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“We who preach and write, do so in a manner different from which the Scriptures have been written. We write while we make progress.We learn something new every day. We speak as we still knock for understanding...If anyone criticizes me when I have said what is right, he does me an injustice. But I would be more angry with the one who praises me and takes what I have written for Gospel truth than I would be with the one who criticizes me unfairly.”

Saint Augustine

About This Quote

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

He distinguishes his own evolving writings from the fixed Scriptures, valuing progress and honest critique over blind praise.

In simple terms: He sees his work as evolving, not static, and prefers criticism to false adulation.

Key Takeaway

Embrace growth, welcome honest feedback.

Themes

faith writing humility truth

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical spiritual

When to use this quote

  • personal study
  • public preaching
  • writing revisions
  • dialogue with critics

Key Concepts

theology self‑reflection intellectual honesty

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance respect for tradition with personal insight?
  • When does criticism become constructive?
A Different Perspective

Blind praise can reinforce errors and hinder truth‑seeking.

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