Accustomed Quote by Samuel Johnson
“As to the Christian religion, besides the strong evidence which we have for it, there is a balance in its favor from the number of great men who have been convinced of its truth after a serious consideration of the question. Grotius was an acute man, a lawyer, a man accustomed to examine evidence, and he was convinced. Grotius was not a recluse, but a man of the world, who certainly had no bias on the side of religion. Sir Isaac Newton set out an infidel, and came to be a very firm believer.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Idler, 1750
The quote argues that many eminent thinkers, after careful examination, become convinced of Christianity, suggesting its plausibility.
In simple terms: Great minds often accept Christianity after study.
Key Takeaway
Consider evidence before dismissing faith.
Themes
faith
reason
influence
intellectual honesty
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- personal belief formation
- historical analysis
- philosophical inquiry
Key Concepts
conversion
evidence evaluation
historical perspective
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence convinced these thinkers?
- How does personal background affect belief?
A Different Perspective
The argument may overlook personal bias or cultural pressure influencing belief.
![“Descartes gave sight to the blind. These saw the errors of antiquity and of the sciences. The path he struck out is since become boundless […] In fathoming this abyss no bottom has been found. We are now to examine what discoveries Sir Isaac Newton has made in it.” quote by Voltaire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/752/voltaire-173_abyss_descartes-gave-sight-to-the-blind-these_224597.jpg)
