Atheism Quote by Ernest Renan
“It is evident, indeed, that such a doctrine, taken by itself in a literal manner, had no future. The world, in continuing to exist, caused it to crumble. One generation of man at the most was the limit of its endurance. The faith of the first Christian generation is intelligible, but the faith of the second generation is no longer so. After the death of John, or of the last survivor, whoever he might be, of the group which had seen the master, the word of Jesus was convicted of falsehood.”
About This Quote
The literal, unadapted doctrine cannot survive beyond its original context; as generations pass, its original meaning fades and becomes contested.
In simple terms: Doctrines lose relevance when rigidly applied across eras.
Key Takeaway
Rigid literalism leads to doctrinal decay.
Themes
historical context
interpretation
generational change
faith
doctrinal rigidity
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
historical
theological
When to use this quote
- theological debate
- historical analysis
- religious education
- intergenerational dialogue
Key Concepts
doctrine
faith
generation
truth
Practical Applications
- reinterpreting ancient texts
- designing adaptive curricula
Questions to Reflect On
- How does literalism affect the transmission of ideas?
- What mechanisms can preserve essential meanings across generations?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that core truths remain constant despite literal interpretation, suggesting continuity rather than collapse.
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