--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Philosophers and common heathen believed…" description: "\"Philosophers and common heathen believed one God, to whom all things were referred; but under this God they worshipped many inferior and subservient go..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea8/benjamin-stillingfleet-41789_all-things_philosophers-and-common-heathen-believed_2439356.jpg" --- # Philosophers and common heathen believed one God, to whom… ![“Philosophers and common heathen believed one God, to whom all things were referred; but under this God they worshipped many inferior and subservient gods.” quote by Benjamin Stillingfleet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea8/benjamin-stillingfleet-41789_all-things_philosophers-and-common-heathen-believed_2439356.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea8/benjamin-stillingfleet-41789_all-things_philosophers-and-common-heathen-believed_2439356.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea8/benjamin-stillingfleet-41789_all-things_philosophers-and-common-heathen-believed_2439356.jpg) > “Philosophers and common heathen believed one God, to whom all things were referred; but under this God they worshipped many inferior and subservient gods.” [Benjamin Stillingfleet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-stillingfleet/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People often worship many lesser deities while claiming belief in one supreme god. **In simple terms:** Multiple lesser gods under one supreme. Key Takeaway Recognize hidden contradictions. Themes religion philosophy hypocrisy belief Mood analytical critical Type philosophical historical When to use this quote - personal faith discussions - academic seminars - interfaith dialogues - historical analysis Key Concepts theology cultural syncretism Questions to Reflect On - Why do people adopt multiple spiritual practices? - What does this reveal about human nature? A Different Perspective Simplifying complex belief systems can be reductionist. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Heathen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heathen/) [Idolatry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/idolatry/) [Philosopher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosopher/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) ## Related quotes > [“TRAN-SCRIPT-URES If women had dominated religion - would we have referred to God as 'she'?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kamil-ali/tran-script-ures-if-women-had-dominated-religion-would-we-have/) [Kamil Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kamil-ali/) > [“The One who is free from the intent of anger-pride-deceit-greed (kashay bhaav) is referred to as God.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dada-bhagwan/the-one-who-is-free-from-the-intent-of-anger-pride-deceit-greed/) [Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dada-bhagwan/) > [It is not God that is worshipped but the authority that claims to speak in His name.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/it-is-not-god-that-is-worshipped-but-the-authority-that-claims-to-2/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [It is not God that is worshipped but the group or authority that claims to speak in His name. 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