--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If theological ideas prove to have a…" description: "\"If theological ideas prove to have a value for concrete life, they will be true, for pragmatism, in the sense of being good for so much. How much more ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0cc/william-james-228_be-good_if-theological-ideas-prove-to-have-a-val_2818742.png" --- # If theological ideas prove to have a value for concrete… ![“If theological ideas prove to have a value for concrete life, they will be true, for pragmatism, in the sense of being good for so much. How much more they are true, will depend entirely on their relations to the other truths that also have to be acknowledged.” quote by William James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0cc/william-james-228_be-good_if-theological-ideas-prove-to-have-a-val_2818742.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0cc/william-james-228_be-good_if-theological-ideas-prove-to-have-a-val_2818742.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0cc/william-james-228_be-good_if-theological-ideas-prove-to-have-a-val_2818742.png) > “If theological ideas prove to have a value for concrete life, they will be true, for pragmatism, in the sense of being good for so much. How much more they are true, will depend entirely on their relations to the other truths that also have to be acknowledged.” [William James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-james/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The value of theological ideas depends on their practical benefit and coherence with other truths. **In simple terms:** Theories are true if they help life and fit with other truths. Key Takeaway Seek ideas that are useful and consistent. Themes pragmatism truth theology coherence utility Mood reflective analytical Type philosophical practical When to use this quote - personal decision making - policy development - ethical debates Key Concepts philosophical analysis ethical consistency practical application Questions to Reflect On - What criteria define a 'good' truth for you? - How do you balance utility with doctrinal purity? A Different Perspective Practical usefulness may be subjective and culturally dependent. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ideas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideas/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Pragmatism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pragmatism/) [Values](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/values/) ## Related quotes > [I don't believe that God is a fussy faultfinder in dealing with theological ideas. He who provides forgiveness for a sinful life will also…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/helmut-thielicke/i-don-t-believe-that-god-is-a-fussy-faultfinder-in-dealing-with/) [Helmut Thielicke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/helmut-thielicke/) > [“But Jesus knows well that we are people of story and grit. 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