Causes Quote by Ernest Renan
“True Christianity, which will last forever, comes from the gospel words of Christ not from the epistles of Paul. The writings of Paul have been a danger and a hidden rock, the causes of the principal defects of Christian theology.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Life of Jesus by Ernest Renan, 1863
The author argues that authentic Christianity derives from Christ’s teachings, not Paul’s letters, which he sees as problematic for theology.
In simple terms: Christianity should follow Christ’s words, not Paul’s writings.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize gospel teachings over later interpretations.
Themes
theology
authority
scripture
interpretation
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
theological
historical
When to use this quote
- church teaching
- personal study
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
Christocentrism
canonical criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance respect for tradition with critical analysis?
- What role should Paul’s letters play in modern faith?
A Different Perspective
Paul’s influence is integral to many traditions, making a complete rejection impractical.
![“Well the first time I performed, my mom was like how she is now when sees me on stage – all red, smiling from ear to ear. So I don’t want to mess up, [be]cause she’s smiling. Seeing my mom happy is kind of like an overwhelming feeling.” quote by Chris Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/477/chris-brown-1887_causes_well-the-first-time-i-performed-my-mom-w_4699.jpg)