Bases Quote by Marcus Borg
“'Believing' cannot tip the scales in making a historical judgement about whether something really happened. I can choose to believe that George Washington threw a silver dollar across the Rappahannock, but my believing that he did it has nothing to do with whether or not he really did do it. So also with the story of Jesus walking on water: Believing that he did it has nothing to do with whether he really did do it. 'Belief' cannot be the basis for historical conclusions; it has no direct relevance.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Heart of Christianity by Marcus Borg, 2003
Belief alone does not prove historical events; evidence and critical analysis are required.
In simple terms: Belief isn’t proof; need evidence.
Key Takeaway
Rely on evidence, not belief.
Themes
history
faith
epistemology
critical thinking
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- public discourse
- education
- media literacy
Key Concepts
historical methodology
faith vs evidence
Questions to Reflect On
- How does belief influence our perception of history?
- Can faith coexist with historical rigor?
A Different Perspective
Belief can shape narratives even if not factual.
