Circles Quote by Richard Whately
“Fancy, when once brought into religion, knows not where to stop. It is like one of those fiends in old stories which any one could raise, but which, when raised, could never be kept within the magic circle.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Elements of Rhetoric, Richard Whately, 1828
Religion, once adopted, can become uncontrollable like a summoned demon.
In simple terms: Religion can become dangerous if unchecked.
Key Takeaway
Guard against unrestrained zeal.
Themes
religion
control
danger
Mood
cautious
serious
Type
theological
warning
When to use this quote
- church leadership
- personal faith
- public policy
- education curricula
Key Concepts
theology
authority
spiritual extremism
Questions to Reflect On
- How to balance faith and reason?
- When does zeal become harmful?
A Different Perspective
Not all religious fervor is harmful.
![“Tell them you came, and saw, and looked into my eyes and saw the shadow of the guard receding. Thoughts in time and out of season, the hitchinker stood by the side of the road and levelled his thumb in the calm calculus of reason. [...] Why does my mind circle around you? Why do planets wonder…” quote by Jim Morrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9ae/jim-morrison-1692_bird_tell-them-you-came-and-saw-and-looked-in_18280.jpg)