The earth has grown old with its burden of care, But at Christmas it always is young.
Phillips BrooksRead
No man dares to condemn the Christian faith today, because the Christian faith has not been tried. Not until men get rid of the thought that it is a poor machine, an expedient for saving them from suffering and pain; not until they get the grand idea of it as the great power of God present in and through the lives of men; not until then does Christianity enter upon its true trial and become ready to show what it can do.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that the true essence of Christianity has not yet been fully realized or tested by people.
Phillips Brooks expresses the idea that many people view Christianity merely as a refuge from suffering rather than appreciating its potential as a powerful force for good in the lives of individuals. He argues that until humanity recognizes and embraces the inherent strength and transformative power of the Christian faith, it cannot truly be put to the test in a meaningful way. This indicates a call for deeper understanding and commitment to the faith, beyond superficial engagement.
Themes
FaithChristianityPowerStrengthCommitment
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a sermon to inspire congregants to deepen their faith.
More from Phillips Brooks
All quotes →We never become truly spiritual by sitting down and wishing to become so. You must undertake something so great that you cannot accomplish it unaided.
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The truest help we can render an afflicted man is not to take his burden from him, but to call out his best energy, that he may be able to bear the burden.
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To believe in the God over us and around us and not in the God within us - that would be a powerless and fruitless faith.
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To say, 'well done' to any bit of good work is to take hold of the powers which have made the effort and strengthen them beyond our knowledge.
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Think of life as a voyage. The truest liver of the truest life is like a voyager who, as he sails, is not indifferent to all the beauty of the sea around him.
Phillips BrooksRead
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