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Christians have no business thinking that the good life…

“Christians have no business thinking that the good life consists mainly in not doing bad things. We have no business thinking that to do evil in this world you have to be a Bengal tiger, when, in fact, it is enough to be a tame tabby—a nice person but not a good one. In short, Pentecost makes it…” quote by William Sloane Coffin
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“Christians have no business thinking that the good life consists mainly in not doing bad things. We have no business thinking that to do evil in this world you have to be a Bengal tiger, when, in fact, it is enough to be a tame tabby—a nice person but not a good one. In short, Pentecost makes it clear that nothing is so fatal to Christianity as indifference.”

William Sloane Coffin

About This Quote

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

The speaker argues that true Christianity is not about grand gestures but about everyday kindness, and that indifference is the greatest danger to faith.

In simple terms: Christianity calls for ordinary goodness, not heroic deeds; apathy is its biggest threat.

Key Takeaway

Practice small, consistent acts of kindness.

Themes

faith ethics indifference everyday goodness

Mood

hopeful inspirational thoughtful

Type

theological ethical guidance

When to use this quote

  • church community
  • personal conduct
  • social activism

Key Concepts

theology moral philosophy spiritual practice

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can believers guard against spiritual complacency?
  • What everyday actions embody true Christian love?
A Different Perspective

Indifference can be subtle and easy to overlook.

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