--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When it began, Christianity was regarded…" description: "\"When it began, Christianity was regarded as a system entirely beyond the range and scope of human reason; it was impious to question; it was impious to..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a5f/william-edward-hartpole-lecky_atheism_when-it-began-christianity-was-regarded_2974486.jpg" --- # When it began, Christianity was regarded as a system… ![“When it began, Christianity was regarded as a system entirely beyond the range and scope of human reason; it was impious to question; it was impious to examine; it was impious to discriminate. On the other hand, it was visibly instinct with the supernatural. Miracles of every order and degree of…” quote by William Edward Hartpole Lecky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a5f/william-edward-hartpole-lecky_atheism_when-it-began-christianity-was-regarded_2974486.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a5f/william-edward-hartpole-lecky_atheism_when-it-began-christianity-was-regarded_2974486.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a5f/william-edward-hartpole-lecky_atheism_when-it-began-christianity-was-regarded_2974486.jpg) > “When it began, Christianity was regarded as a system entirely beyond the range and scope of human reason; it was impious to question; it was impious to examine; it was impious to discriminate. On the other hand, it was visibly instinct with the supernatural. Miracles of every order and degree of magnitude were flashing forth incessantly from all its parts.” [William Edward Hartpole Lecky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-edward-hartpole-lecky/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote argues that early Christianity was seen as beyond rational critique, demanding faith over reason, while simultaneously presenting abundant miracles. **In simple terms:** Early Christianity was portrayed as irrational yet miracle‑filled. Key Takeaway Recognize the tension between faith and reason. Themes faith reason miracles history religion Mood reflective critical inquisitive Type historical theological philosophical When to use this quote - academic study - interfaith dialogue - personal belief - skeptical inquiry - historical analysis Key Concepts theology epistemology sociology Questions to Reflect On - How do we balance belief with critical thinking? - What role should miracles play in modern faith? A Different Perspective Faith can limit critical inquiry and may suppress questioning. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Atheism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/atheism/) [Began Christianity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/began-christianity-4595920/) [Christianity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christianity/) [Christianity Regarded](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christianity-regarded-868289/) [Degrees](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/degrees/) [Hands](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hands/) [Human reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-reason/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Incessantly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/incessantly/) [Instinct](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/instinct/) [Magnitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/magnitude/) [Miracle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/miracle/) [Miracles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/miracles/) [Order](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/order/) [Positive atheism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/positive-atheism/) [Range](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/range/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [Reason Impious](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason-impious-4595921/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Scope](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/scope/) ## Related quotes > [“We may preach with all the fervor of a reformer and yet succeed only in winning a straggler here and there, if we permit…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-gresham-machen/we-may-preach-with-all-the-fervor-of-a-reformer-and-yet-succeed-only/) [J. 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