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Acquaintance Quote by John Calvin

“Without Christ, sciences in every department are vain…The man who knows not God is vain, though he should be conversant with every branch of learning. Nay more, we may affirm this too with truth, that these choice gifts of God -- expertness of mind, acuteness of judgment, liberal sciences, and…” quote by John Calvin
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“Without Christ, sciences in every department are vain…The man who knows not God is vain, though he should be conversant with every branch of learning. Nay more, we may affirm this too with truth, that these choice gifts of God -- expertness of mind, acuteness of judgment, liberal sciences, and acquaintance with languages, are in a manner profaned in every instance in which they fall to the lot of wicked men.”

John Calvin

About This Quote

Source Treatise: Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin, 1536

Human knowledge is empty without God; divine gifts are corrupted when used by the wicked.

In simple terms: God is essential for true knowledge.

Key Takeaway

Seek divine guidance.

Themes

faith knowledge morality

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical theological

When to use this quote

  • education
  • scientific research
  • personal belief systems

Key Concepts

theology epistemology ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What role does spirituality play in your learning?
A Different Perspective

Science can still be valuable without faith?

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