Dangerous Quote by John Owen
“I will not judge a person to be spiritually dead whom I have judged formerly to have had spiritual life, though I see him at present in a swoon (faint)as to all evidences of the spiritual life. And the reason why I will not judge him so is this, because if you judge a person dead, you neglect him, you leave him; but if you judge him in a swoon, though never so dangerous, you use all means for the retrieving of his life.”
About This Quote
The speaker argues against declaring someone spiritually dead, urging continued effort to revive their faith even when signs are weak.
In simple terms: Do not abandon those whose faith appears faint.
Key Takeaway
Persist in spiritual restoration.
Themes
faith
compassion
judgment
redemption
perseverance
Mood
hopeful
compassionate
determined
Type
theological
pastoral
motivational
When to use this quote
- counseling a lapsed believer
- supporting a struggling church member
- guiding a youth in crisis
Key Concepts
spiritual assessment
pastoral care
hope
Practical Applications
- faith mentorship
- recovery programs
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we recognize when to intervene versus when to accept decline?
- What practices sustain hope for those appearing spiritually dormant?
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
