Changed Quote by John Angell James
“Too many have no idea of the subjection of their temper to the influence of religion, and yet what is changed, if the temper is not? If a man is as passionate, malicious, resentful, sullen, moody, or morose after his conversion as before it, what is he converted from or to?”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: The Influence of Religion on Temperament, John Angell James, 1885
Religion may shape beliefs but does not automatically transform personal temperament; true conversion requires inner change, not just external affiliation.
In simple terms: Religion alone doesn't change character.
Key Takeaway
Seek genuine inner transformation.
Themes
religion
temperament
conversion
character
spirituality
Mood
reflective
serious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal counseling
- spiritual retreats
- conflict resolution
- relationship counseling
Key Concepts
psychology
moral development
inner change
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you feel your faith has altered your inner self?
- How can you align behavior with belief?
A Different Perspective
Conversion without inner change may lead to hypocrisy.
![“[On Anger] [T]he instinct of self-preservation, setting itself against everything that interferes with our pleasures and comfort. What is called temper, with its fruits of anger and strife, has its roots in the physical constitution, and is one among the sins of the flesh. [of the spirit . . .]…” quote by Andrew Murray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8c9/andrew-murray-1530_andrew-murray_on-anger-t-he-instinct-of-self-preservat_1857069.jpg)
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![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
