Religion Quotes by Herman Melville

The western spirit is, or will yet be (for no other is, or can be) the true American one.

— Herman Melville

Though the ancients were ignorant of the principles of Christianity there were in them the germs of its spirit.

— Herman Melville

“Thought he, it's a wicked world in all meridians; I'll die a pagan.”

— Herman Melville

Ladies are like creeds; if you cannot speak well of them, say nothing.

— Herman Melville

The world's a ship on its voyage out, and not a voyage complete; and the pulpit is its prow.

— Herman Melville

I cherish the greatest respect towards everybody's religious obligations, no matter how comical.

— Herman Melville

“Better to sleep with a sober cannibal than a drunk Christian.”

— Herman Melville

“There, then, he sat, the sign and symbol of a man without faith, hopelessly holding up hope in the midst of despair.”

— Herman Melville

When my eye rested on an arid height, spirit partook of the barrenness. - Heartily wish Niebuhr & Strauss to the dogs.…

— Herman Melville

“Can it be, then, that by that act of physical isolation, he signifies his spiritual withdrawal for the time, from all outward…

— Herman Melville

“Methinks that in looking at things spiritual, we are too much like oysters observing the sun through the water, and thinking that…

— Herman Melville

“for I cherish the greatest respect towards everybody’s religious obligations, never mind how comical, and could not find it in my heart…

— Herman Melville

“Now, as I before hinted, I have no objection to any person's religion, be it what it may, so long as that…

— Herman Melville

A chaplain is the minister of the Prince of Peace serving the host of the God of War--Mars. As such, he is…

— Herman Melville

Where is there such an one who has not a thousand times been struck with a sort of infidel idea, that whatever…

— Herman Melville

“Now, as I before hinted, I have no objection to any person's religion, be it what it may, so long as that…

— Herman Melville

Standing navies, as well as standing armies, serve to keep alive the spirit of war even in the meek heart of peace.…

— Herman Melville

I have no objection to any person's religion, be it what it may, so long as that person does not kill or…

— Herman Melville

“But what is worship? thought I. Do you suppose now, Ishmael, that the magnanimous God of heaven and earth—pagans and all included—can…

— Herman Melville

“I say, I can not identify that thing which is called happiness, that thing whose token is a laugh, or a smile,…

— Herman Melville

Zeal is not of necessity religion, neither is it always of the same essence with poetry or patriotism.

— Herman Melville

“Oh, thou clear spirit, of thy fire thou madest me, and like a true child of fire, I breathe it back to…

— Herman Melville

The terrors of truth and dart of death To faith alike are vain.

— Herman Melville

It is with fiction as with religion: it should present another world, and yet one to which we feel the tie.

— Herman Melville

It is against the will of God that the East should be Christianized.

— Herman Melville