Absence Quote by J. C. Ryle
“The saddest symptom about many so-called Christians is the utter absence of anything like conflict and fight against spiritual apathy in their Christianity. They eat, they drink, they dress, they work, they amuse themselves, they get money, they spend money, they go through a brief round of formal religious services once or twice every week. But of the great spiritual warfare - its watchings and strugglings, its agonies and anxieties, its battles and contests - of all things they appear to know nothing at all. Let us take care that this case is not our own.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Practical Christianity by J. C. Ryle, 1855
The quote warns that many Christians neglect deep spiritual struggle, focusing on routine comforts instead of confronting inner apathy and conflict.
In simple terms: Christians often avoid spiritual challenges, staying in comfort.
Key Takeaway
Engage actively in spiritual growth.
Themes
spirituality
apathy
conflict
faith
discipline
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
admonitory
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal devotion
- church leadership
- small groups
- spiritual retreats
Key Concepts
spiritual warfare
inner conflict
religious practice
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you confront spiritual apathy in daily life?
- What practices keep you spiritually vigilant?
A Different Perspective
Spiritual complacency can be hard to recognize without honest self‑examination.
