Add Quote by John Adams
![“The idea of infidelity [a disbelief in the inspiration of the Scriptures or the divine origin of Christianity] cannot be treated with too much resentment or too much horror. The man who can think of it with patience is a traitor in his heart and ought to be execrated [denounced] as one who adds…” quote by John Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/04e/john-adams-529_add_the-idea-of-infidelity-a-disbelief-in-th_2297050.jpg)
“The idea of infidelity [a disbelief in the inspiration of the Scriptures or the divine origin of Christianity] cannot be treated with too much resentment or too much horror. The man who can think of it with patience is a traitor in his heart and ought to be execrated [denounced] as one who adds the deepest hypocrisy to the blackest treason.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Letter to Thomas Jefferson, 1785
Resentment toward disbelief in scripture is excessive; patience reveals deeper hypocrisy and betrayal
In simple terms: Being patient about religious doubt is dangerous
Key Takeaway
Avoid tolerating doubt that undermines faith
Themes
faith
hypocrisy
betrayal
religion
morality
Mood
critical
serious
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- church debates
- personal crises
- interfaith dialogues
- political rhetoric
Key Concepts
theology
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it possible to critique belief without becoming a traitor?
- How does resentment affect rational discourse?
A Different Perspective
Patience can be a passive endorsement of harmful ideas
![“I will insist the Hebrews have [contributed] more to civilize men than any other nation. If I was an atheist and believed in blind eternal fate, I should still believe that fate had ordained the Jews to be the most essential instrument for civilizing the nations. They are the most glorious nation…” quote by John Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e34/john-adams-529_affair_i-will-insist-the-hebrews-have-contribut_104004.jpg)
