Certain Quote by Tertullian
![“If we refuse our homage to statues and frigid images, the very counterpart of their dead originals, with which hawks, and mice, and spiders are so well acquainted, does it not merit praise instead of penalty [Christians were punished for not worshiping Roman gods] that we have rejected what we…” quote by Tertullian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/197/tertullian-3469_certain_if-we-refuse-our-homage-to-statues-and-f_1722066.jpg)
“If we refuse our homage to statues and frigid images, the very counterpart of their dead originals, with which hawks, and mice, and spiders are so well acquainted, does it not merit praise instead of penalty [Christians were punished for not worshiping Roman gods] that we have rejected what we have come to see is error? We cannot surely be made out to injure those whom we are certain are nonentities. What does not exist is in its nonexistence secure from suffering.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Apology of the Christian Faith, c. 200 AD
Rejecting worship of false idols is praised because non‑existent beings cannot suffer; worship should focus on the true divine.
In simple terms: Worship true God, not dead statues.
Key Takeaway
Avoid idolatry.
Themes
faith
idolatry
philosophy
ethics
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
theological
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal prayer
- church teaching
- interfaith dialogue
- art criticism
- cultural heritage debates
Key Concepts
theology
existentialism
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to honor something that does not exist?
- Can symbols influence morality without being real?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that even symbols have cultural value beyond literal existence.
![“[The papists] ought to have sympathy with us weak, poor Christians, and not condemn us or make fun of us because we are learning so childishly to toddle along the benches, nay, to creep in the mire, and cannot skip and dance, on such light feet and legs, over and outside of God's commandments, as…” quote by Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/79b/martin-luther-106_benches_the-papists-ought-to-have-sympathy-with_2321648.jpg)
