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Christianity Quote by Mary Stewart

“The Romans gave them Roman names, and let them be; but the Christians refuse to believe in them, and their priests berate the poorer folk for clinging to the old ways—and no doubt for wasting offerings which would do better at some hermit’s cell than at some ancient holy place in the forest. But…” quote by Mary Stewart
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““The Romans gave them Roman names, and let them be; but the Christians refuse to believe in them, and their priests berate the poorer folk for clinging to the old ways—and no doubt for wasting offerings which would do better at some hermit’s cell than at some ancient holy place in the forest. But still the simple folk creep out to leave their offerings, and when these vanish by morning, who is to say that a god has not taken them? This,””

Mary Stewart

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Holy Isle by Mary Stewart, 1978

People cling to old traditions despite new beliefs, and simple acts of faith persist even when questioned.

In simple terms: Old customs endure despite new doctrines.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the value of simple faith practices.

Themes

faith tradition change skepticism folk belief

Mood

thoughtful nostalgic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • rural festivals
  • personal rituals
  • community gatherings

Key Concepts

cultural persistence religious syncretism human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do people maintain rituals that seem obsolete?
  • How do new religions coexist with old customs?
A Different Perspective

May overlook practical benefits of tradition.

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