Bearing witness Quote by George F. Hourani
““we may say that whenever a statement in Scripture conflicts in its apparent meaning with a conclusion of demonstration, if Scripture is considered carefully, 5 and the rest of its contents searched page by page, there will invariably be found among the expressions of Scripture something which in its apparent meaning bears witness to that allegorical interpretation67 or comes close to bearing witness.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Study of Islamic Philosophy, 1970
When a biblical passage seems to contradict logical proof, a careful, exhaustive reading reveals verses that support an allegorical reading.
In simple terms: Conflicting scripture can be reconciled by deeper, symbolic interpretation.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper meanings before rejecting contradictions.
Themes
theology
interpretation
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
analytical
explanatory
When to use this quote
- biblical study
- academic research
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
allegory
hermeneutics
logic
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we distinguish genuine allegory from forced reinterpretation?
- What criteria ensure a reliable symbolic reading?
A Different Perspective
Allegorical readings may be subjective and lack consensus.
![“...[Nature] ever bearing witness against man that he has deliberately chosen ugliness instead of beauty...” quote by William Morris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/40a/william-morris-4229_bearing-witness_nature-ever-bearing-witness-against-man_363807.jpg)
