A religion, that is, a true religion, must consist of…
“A religion, that is, a true religion, must consist of ideas and facts both; not of ideas alone without facts, for then it would be mere Philosophy; - nor of facts alone without ideas, of which those facts are symbols, or out of which they arise, or upon which they are grounded: for then it would be mere History.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A genuine religion needs both conceptual ideas and empirical facts; lacking either reduces it to mere philosophy or mere history.
In simple terms: Religion must blend ideas with facts.
Key Takeaway
Integrate belief with evidence.
Themes
religion
philosophy
epistemology
history
truth
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
balanced
Type
analytical
philosophical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- theological debate
- academic curriculum design
- personal belief formation
- public policy on faith
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
dualism
symbolism
grounding
integration
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance doctrine and evidence?
- What risks arise when one side dominates?
A Different Perspective
Purely abstract or purely empirical approaches miss the full depth of religious meaning.