Crosses Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“If I made laws for Shakers or a school, I should gazette every Saturday all the words they were wont to use in reporting religious experience, as "spiritual life," "God," "soul," "cross," etc., and if they could not find new ones next week, they might remain silent.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The American Scholar,” 1837, or similar essay on language and spirituality
Emerson critiques the overuse of religious jargon, urging fresh language to truly capture spiritual experience.
In simple terms: Avoid stale words; find new ways to describe faith.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic expression in spiritual discourse.
Themes
language
religion
authenticity
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- theological writing
- personal journaling
- public speaking
- media commentary
Key Concepts
semantic renewal
cultural critique
spiritual expression
Questions to Reflect On
- What words have become empty for you?
- How can fresh language deepen understanding?
A Different Perspective
New terminology may confuse audiences or lose traditional resonance.
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
