Absurd Quote by John Herschel
“No doubt the testimony of natural reason, on whatever exercised, must, of necessity, stop short of those truths which it is the object of revelation to make known; still it places the existence and personal attributes of the Deity on such grounds as to render doubts absurd and atheism ridiculous.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Scientific Society, 1865
Reason can’t prove divine truths; revelation fills that gap, making atheism unreasonable.
In simple terms: Reason alone can’t confirm God; faith does.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge limits of reason, seek deeper understanding.
Themes
faith
reason
theology
philosophy
skepticism
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- personal belief formation
- academic debate
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
epistemology
metaphysics
religious doctrine
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile scientific evidence with spiritual belief?
- What role should reason play in faith?
A Different Perspective
Relying on revelation may conflict with empirical standards.
![“[When nature appears complicated:] The moment we contemplate it as it is, and attain a position from which we can take a commanding view, though but of a small part of its plan, we never fail to recognize that sublime simplicity on which the mind rests satisfied that it has attained the truth.” quote by John Herschel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c0b/john-herschel-18983_complicated_when-nature-appears-complicated-the-mome_203650.jpg)
![“Accustomed to trace the operation of general causes, and the exemplification of general laws, in circumstances where the uninformed and unenquiring eye perceives neither novelty nor beauty, [the scientist and natural philosopher] walks in the midst of wonders.” quote by John Herschel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/91d/john-herschel-18983_accustomed_accustomed-to-trace-the-operation-of-gen_1136585.jpg)
