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Acquaintance Quote by Charles Caleb Colton

“Religion has treated knowledge sometimes as an enemy, sometimes as a hostage; often as a captive and more often as a child; but knowledge has become of age, and religion must either renounce her acquaintance, or introduce her as a companion and respect her as a friend.” quote by Charles Caleb Colton
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“Religion has treated knowledge sometimes as an enemy, sometimes as a hostage; often as a captive and more often as a child; but knowledge has become of age, and religion must either renounce her acquaintance, or introduce her as a companion and respect her as a friend.”

Charles Caleb Colton

About This Quote

Source Essay: Miscellany, 1820

Religion often treats knowledge as a threat or captive, but as knowledge matures, religion must either reject it or embrace it as a partner.

In simple terms: Religion must choose to reject or accept knowledge.

Key Takeaway

Foster dialogue between faith and reason.

Themes

religion knowledge science dialogue history

Mood

contemplative hopeful

Type

philosophical theological

When to use this quote

  • faith communities
  • academic institutions
  • public policy debates
  • personal belief systems

Key Concepts

theology philosophy science

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can faith and science complement each other?
  • What examples show successful integration?
A Different Perspective

The quote assumes a binary choice, ignoring nuanced integrations.

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