Contempt Quote by Isaac Newton
“The folly of Interpreters has been, to foretell times and things by this Prophecy, as if God designed to make them Prophets. By this rashness they have not only exposed themselves, but brought the Prophecy also into contempt. The design of God was much otherwise. He gave this and the Prophecies of the Old Testament, not to gratify mens curiosities by enabling them to foreknow things, but that after they were fulfilled they might be interpreted by the event, and his own Providence, not the Interpreters, be then manifested thereby to the world.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Chronology of Ancient Kingdoms, 1728
Newton argues that interpreting prophecies as predictions misuses divine intent, reducing prophecy to human curiosity rather than divine revelation.
In simple terms: Prophecies should be seen after events, not as forecasts.
Key Takeaway
Interpret events, not predict them.
Themes
theology
interpretation
humility
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- religious scholarship
- biblical studies
- historical research
- faith education
Key Concepts
prophecy
divine providence
historical analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How does hindsight change our view of prophecy?
- Can we ever fully separate faith from analysis?
A Different Perspective
Human bias can distort sacred texts, leading to misinterpretation.
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