Religion
‹ 13 · Outline
14.The diversity of religions and the propagation of the faith
14a.Missions and conversion of the heathen
See also: Education 10c · Custom and Convention 2a
Luke, The Acts of the ApostlesVol. 44
- p. 447–448Scattered believers spread the faith to Jews and Greeks at Antioch; the church grows and disciples are first called Christians.read · scan
- p. 450–451Barnabas and Saul, sent by the Spirit, proclaim the word in synagogues and win the proconsul to the faith.read · scan
- p. 452–453Paul and Barnabas turn from the Jews to the Gentiles; the word spreads and disciples are filled with joy.read · scan
- p. 454–455Paul survives stoning, strengthens disciples, appoints elders, and reports God opening a door of faith to Gentiles.read · scan
- p. 457–458Churches strengthened; Spirit guides mission by forbidding Asia and calling to Macedonia; Lydia is baptized.read · scan
- p. 459–460Paul reasons from scriptures in the synagogue, winning converts and provoking jealous opposition.read · scan
- p. 462–463Paul preaches Christ, turns to the Gentiles after Jewish opposition, and converts many in Corinth.read · scan
- p. 479–481Christ commissions Paul to turn Gentiles from darkness to light, repentance and faith; Paul urges Agrippa to become Christian.read · scan
- p. 485–486Paul preaches the kingdom of God and Jesus to the Roman Jews, some believing, some not; salvation goes to the Gentiles.read · scan
Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16
- p. 322The blacks were converted from worshipping one another to the worship of one God by a luminous figure from the sea.read · scan
The Voyages to VinlandVol. 43
- p. 5–6King Olaf expounds the faith to Leif, who is easily persuaded and baptized with his crew; a Christian's verse commits his voyage to God.read · scan
- p. 11–13Thorvald asks for crosses at head and feet; Christianity had come to Greenland.read · scan
- p. 13–14Christianity is still in its infancy in Greenland; the dead are buried at the church.read · scan
The Song of RolandVol. 49
- p. 96–98Marsil offers to receive Christian law as a pretended concession to win Karl over.read · scan
- p. 98–99Envoys claim Marsil will accept the law of Christendom; heathens were converted or slain at Cordres.read · scan
Sir Thomas Malory, The Holy GrailVol. 35
- p. 136Percivale hears mass in a monastery; the wounded old king prays to Christ, and Joseph of Arimathea's mission to convert Evelake is told.read · scan
Christopher Columbus, The Letter of Columbus to Luis de Sant Angel Announcing His DiscoveryVol. 43
- p. 22–23Columbus seeks to win the natives to Christianity; they have no idolatry, believe power and goodness are in heaven and that he came from heaven.read · scan
- p. 23Columbus hopes the sovereigns will convert these people, who seem inclined to the holy faith, and who think his men came from heaven.read · scan
Amerigo Vespucci, Amerigo Vespucci's Account of His First VoyageVol. 43
- p. 28He finds them without sacrifice or house of prayer, worse than pagans, and judges their life Epicurean.read · scan
Sir Thomas More, UtopiaVol. 36
- p. 224Utopians gladly accept Christianity, baptism and its community of goods; they lack a priest and debate choosing one.read · scan
Ambroise Paré, Journeys in Diverse PlacesVol. 38
- p. 32Spanish cruelty and blasphemy estranged the Indians from the religion the Spaniards professed.read · scan
Sir Francis Drake, Sir Francis Drake RevivedVol. 33
- p. 169The Cimaroons have no priests and revere the cross; Drake persuades them to learn the Lord's Prayer and God's true worship.read · scan
Edward Haies, Sir Humphrey Gilbert's Voyage to NewfoundlandVol. 33
- p. 264Spreading Christian faith among pagans is declared the chief intent of colonial ventures, without which no enterprise will prosper.read · scan
- p. 264–265Bringing gentiles to Christian civility is the honourable purpose.read · scan
- p. 266English right to America rests on planting religion; the Gospel moves east to west and will spread north.read · scan
- p. 268Planting Christian people and religion in America motivates the enterprise.read · scan
- p. 278Gilbert claims purpose of advancing Christian religion in pagan regions.read · scan
- p. 297–298The enterprise aimed to bring heathen lands of America to Christian piety and the service of God.read · scan
Sir Walter Raleigh, The Discovery of GuianaVol. 33
- p. 374The Epuremei worship the sun and believe in immortality, burying wives and treasure; Raleigh avoids offending their religion.read · scan
Francis Pretty, Sir Francis Drake's Famous Voyage Round the WorldVol. 33
- p. 214Natives make sacrifices with self-wounding while the English pray and read Scripture, which the natives attend to.read · scan
- p. 216Natives offer bloody sacrifices to the English; the English direct them to worship the living God alone.read · scan
Francis Bacon, Essays, Civil and MoralVol. 3
- p. 85Settlers should keep God and his service always before their eyes.read · scan
John Eliot, Eliot's Brief NarrativeVol. 43
- p. 138Indians gather into a church by fasting, prayer and covenant to walk in the Gospel; pastor ordained, baptism of adults and children.read · scan
- p. 139–140Baptism, the Lord's Supper, fasting and prayer, and ordination of elders among the Indian churches of the Vineyard and Nantucket.read · scan
- p. 140Native ministers are ordained to preach the Gospel; the Indian churches must be self-sustaining in Christ's ways.read · scan
- p. 140–142Bible and catechism unite the Indian churches; Natick sends teachers to remoter places to teach the fear of the Lord.read · scan
- p. 142The deceased teacher William is replaced by a young man who prays and preaches well.read · scan
- p. 143Praying Indians of Hassunnimesut, sound teachers, Sabbath communion and plans to gather a church.read · scan
- p. 143The Indians request a stated lecture; godly Indians earn respect from the English.read · scan
- p. 144–145Godly Christians are received into the church and baptized; Tahattawans was a zealous Christian ruler.read · scan
- p. 145–146Sachems who refused to pray are cut off, seen as divine judgment; others now submit to prayer and baptism.read · scan
- p. 146The struggling last praying town is entrusted to two teachers; Eliot commits all to the Lord's guidance and service.read · scan
First Charter of VirginiaVol. 43
- p. 50Colony's aim is propagating Christian religion to peoples living in darkness and ignorance of God's worship.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 250The heathen are to be instructed and filled with love and fear of God.read · scan
- p. 268Conversion of the heathen was reserved for the Messiah's grace; Jewish efforts and pagan sages like Plato and Socrates could not persuade them.read · scan
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Profession of Faith of a Savoyard VicarVol. 34
- p. 296–297Missionaries cannot expect belief on their word alone; a distant event demands verification.read · scan
John Woolman, The Journal of John WoolmanVol. 1
- p. 255He follows inward drawings and divine Providence in preparing a mission to the Indians, submitting to the meeting of Friends.read · scan
- p. 259He trusts the Lord brought him forward and feels easy; meets a Moravian missionary.read · scan
- p. 265Silent worship with the Indians at Wehaloosing, a woman with a Bible, and the arrangement of meetings among Quaker and Moravian.read · scan
- p. 266Meetings and prayer among the Indians; Woolman feels divine love and the Holy Ghost work even where words are not understood.read · scan
- p. 267–268Meetings end in supplication; Woolman believes a door remains open for Christ's disciples to labor among the Indians.read · scan
- p. 301Parting meeting; concern that sailors may experience salvation through Christ.read · scan
Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of NationsVol. 10
- p. 400–401Converting the natives to Christianity served as a pretext masking the gold motive.read · scan
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1330Evangeline and Basil join the Jesuit mission's evening devotions beneath a crucifix in a forest chapel.read · scan
Charles Darwin, The Voyage of the BeagleVol. 29
- p. 211Missionary sent with the natives to instruct them in religion.read · scan
- p. 226Missionary Matthews is settled with the Fuegians.read · scan
- p. 227Missionary Matthews stays with the Fuegians despite the danger.read · scan
- p. 302Christianized Indians dislike attending mass but show respect for religion; others are unconverted.read · scan
- p. 417–418Darwin defends the missionaries: Christianity abolished human sacrifice, idolatrous priesthood, infanticide and reduced dishonesty and licentiousness.read · scan
- p. 429Missionaries' teaching credited with transforming native conduct and industry; their alleged austerity is doubted.read · scan
- p. 432Christmas service in the native chapel, and converts reading the Bible and praying, prove the sincerity of some Christian natives.read · scan
- p. 507–508Christianity brought a march of improvement to the South Seas.read · scan
Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Two Years Before the MastVol. 23
- p. 5–6Hopes to promote seamen's religious and moral improvement.read · scan
- p. 114–116The mission with church, bells and crosses, a monk, and the steward giving food as charity from the Lord.read · scan
- p. 165Missions baptize and Christianize the Indians and later priests are confined to spiritual duties.read · scan
- p. 357Seamen must be brought under religious influence and restraint; rejects sentimental talk of seeing God's hand on the deep.read · scan
- p. 373Religious work among seamen is trusted to remedy abuses and raise sailors' character.read · scan
14b.Christianity and paganism in conflict
See also: Punishment 9a · Courage 5a · Madness 3c · Race and Nationality 5c
Luke, The Acts of the ApostlesVol. 44
- p. 429Apostles preach Jesus and the resurrection; five thousand believe, and Peter declares salvation in no other name.read · scan
- p. 438–439Stephen sees God's glory and dies praying to Jesus, while the church is persecuted and the apostles' followers spread preaching the word.read · scan
- p. 461–462Paul contrasts idol worship with true worship, calling all to repent.read · scan
- p. 464–465Paul reasons daily, works miracles and the word spreads across Asia; converts burn their magic books.read · scan
- p. 465Paul's claim that gods made with hands are no gods provokes the Ephesians' devotion to Diana.read · scan
Pliny the Younger, Letters of PlinyVol. 9
- p. 404Pliny examines Christians, testing them by invoking the gods and worshipping the emperor's image; those who recant are released.read · scan
- p. 404Christians meet before dawn, pray to Christ as divine, swear oaths against fraud and theft, share a harmless meal; Pliny calls it contagious superstition.read · scan
- p. 407–408Christians tested by invoking Roman gods; the army and provincials celebrate vows to the gods for the emperor.read · scan
Marcus Aurelius, The Meditations of Marcus AureliusVol. 2
- p. 285Christians are said to face death from mere obstinacy rather than reasoned judgment.read · scan
Sir Thomas Browne, Religio MediciVol. 3
- p. 277–278Martyrdom is the foundation of the faith, but not everyone suffering for religion is a true martyr; peaceful faith is also acceptable to God.read · scan
Pierre Corneille, PolyeucteVol. 26
- p. 81Christians appear in the dream as an impious band with a shameful cross.read · scan
- p. 81–84Stratonice denounces Christians as impious, profane and mad, at war with the gods; they welcome death and disgrace.read · scan
- p. 95Polyeucte and Nearchus resolve to trample pagan gods; faith and hope kindle their zeal for the Christian God.read · scan
- p. 99Polyeucte's Christian conversion and baptism are denounced as blasphemy and shame by the pagan household.read · scan
- p. 99Polyeucte and Nearchus desecrate the pagan sacrifice, overturning the shrine in the name of the Christian faith.read · scan
- p. 99–102Gods demand the death of the Christian blasphemer; Christians embrace death as their sect's way.read · scan
- p. 102Pauline describes Christian martyrs who love the cross and count the world dross, finding rapture in dying for Christ.read · scan
- p. 105Nearchus dies with 'For Christ' on his lips.read · scan
- p. 111Polyeucte refuses to feign pagan worship, insisting on faith and baptism.read · scan
- p. 117Severus defends Christians against rumors of black arts and notes he inquired into their laws.read · scan
- p. 117–119Severus argues Rome tolerates countless gods yet denies Christ a temple, and praises Christians' pure life and forgiving faith.read · scan
- p. 121–123Polyeucte declares himself soldier of the Cross and Pauline links loyalty and faith with religion; Felix threatens to defy the gods.read · scan
John Milton, Poems Written at School and at College, 1624-1632Vol. 4
- p. 11–13Pagan cults, temples and priests are abandoned as the old worship gives way to Christian faith.read · scan
- p. 13–16Pagan idols and rites fail; psalm paraphrases praise the Lord for his enduring mercies.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise RegainedVol. 4
- p. 359Idolatry of nations and pagan sacrifice at Delphos are ended.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 159Martyrs are our members with a common tie, unlike heathen examples.read · scan
- p. 250–251Pascal cites the mass conversion of heathens to a chaste, self-denying, angelic life, fulfilling prophecy and surpassing what Plato could achieve.read · scan
- p. 251Gentiles after Christ accepted the books of Moses in substance and spirit, rejecting only what was useless.read · scan
- p. 256The kings and nations of the earth will worship Him.read · scan
- p. 257–258Christ destroys the worship of Moses at Jerusalem and of idols at Rome, founding his churches at both centres.read · scan
- p. 269Whole world went from unbelief and lust to fervent love; princes abandoned pomp, maidens martyrdom, as signs of the Messiah's coming.read · scan
- p. 271–272Christ gathers heathen and Jews into one Holy Church and destroys idols and superstition; kings conspire to destroy this religion at its birth.read · scan
- p. 272Simple, weak apostles resist the learned, wise and kings and remove idolatry from the earth by the power that foretold it.read · scan
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15
- p. 101–102Faithful's martyrdom witnesses to truth and inspires Hopeful to join the pilgrimage.read · scan
- p. 264Martyrs suffered injury and death for love of the pilgrim's life and the truth.read · scan
Sir Charles Lyell, Prejudices Which Have Retarded the Progress of GeologyVol. 38
- p. 391Legend of Christian youths persecuted by pagan Decius awakening to a triumphant cross.read · scan
George Long, M. Aurelius AntoninusVol. 2
- p. 306Christians persecuted at Lyon for their faith, released only if they denied it.read · scan
- p. 309Christian apologies against established pagan religion; Justin's claim that Stoics living by reason were hated through daemons' work; question of the emperor's letter on Christians.read · scan
- p. 310Justin's death for refusing to sacrifice to gods and Polycarp's martyrdom at Smyrna during persecution of Christians.read · scan
- p. 311Christians multiplying while old temples, festivals and sacrifices are deserted; Pliny calls Christianity a depraved superstition.read · scan
- p. 311–312Hostility of heathen populace and Jews toward Christians; Christian Apologies begin under Hadrian.read · scan
- p. 313Conflict of old and new belief; Christians reject heathen ceremonies and call all other religions false, worship of devils.read · scan
- p. 314Popular fanaticism and hostility toward Christians under Antoninus; martyrs in Gaul; ecclesiastical histories falsified and exaggerated.read · scan
- p. 317Cardinal Barberini translated the pagan emperor to spread virtue among the faithful and shame his soul.read · scan
John Henry Newman, The Idea of a UniversityVol. 28
- p. 60Christian saints Basil and Gregory among mostly pagan students, esteemed by them; some later become bishops.read · scan
Ernest Renan, The Poetry of the Celtic RacesVol. 32
- p. 143–144Belief in the resurrection of heroes resisted Christianity; bards and romancers ignored the clergy.read · scan
- p. 146–147Christianity barely appears in the tales; a bishop only blesses dishes, and the bards lived apart from clergy.read · scan
- p. 168Bardism and Christianity clashed; Christianity never used force against Celtic rivals, and bardism lingered as Neo-Druidism until Arthur abdicates his divinity.read · scan
- p. 169Dialogues of Ossian and St. Patrick, and Merlin's conversion, dramatize the surrender of heroic paganism to Christian faith and psalm-singing.read · scan
- p. 170–171Celtic gentleness and sensibility predisposed the race to Christianity, which they accepted without martyrs, unlike the Teutons who resisted it.read · scan
14c.Islam, Judaism and Christianity compared
See also: Prophecy 8b · National Character 6b · History 3d · Race and Nationality 7c
Luke, The Acts of the ApostlesVol. 44
- p. 444Peter's prayer and trance vision of unclean beasts teach that what God has cleansed is not common, breaking dietary distinctions.read · scan
Chapters from the KoranVol. 45
- p. 953–954Jesus calls people to fear and worship God, the right path; the apostles declare faith and resignation.read · scan
- p. 954–955Abraham was a resigned Hanif, neither Jew nor Christian; disputes among sects of the Book over faith.read · scan
- p. 955–956True servants of God teach the Book and do not demand to be served in God's place.read · scan
- p. 956–957Islam, resignation to God, is the only acceptable religion; all prophets are believed in without distinction.read · scan
- p. 958–959Contrasts believers with those smitten for disbelieving God's signs and killing prophets; night prayer and belief in the last day.read · scan
- p. 966–967Faith in God and His Apostle is urged as the best merchandise; Moses and Jesus rejected by their peoples.read · scan
- p. 973People of the Book urged to believe the revelation; those who prefer idols to believers are cursed.read · scan
- p. 982Sincerity in religion, belief in all apostles without distinction, and gratitude are required; partial belief marks misbelievers.read · scan
- p. 983–984Believers who pray, give alms and believe in God and the last day are rewarded; misbelievers erring.read · scan
- p. 999–1000Commands steadfast prayer, alms and loyalty to the faith; apostasy is warned against and believers must not befriend Jews and Christians.read · scan
- p. 1000–1001Condemns those who mock the faith and the call to prayer; warns People of the Book to hold to their law and gospel.read · scan
- p. 1001–1002Believers of every community who trust God and the last day and do right need not fear; do not exceed truth in religion.read · scan
- p. 1002–1003Contrasts enemies of believers with Christians, near in love, whose priests and monks are humble and weep at revelation.read · scan
Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16
- p. 26Suleyman converts many evil Jinn to the true faith and imprisons the obstinate.read · scan
- p. 104Fire-worshipping Magians persist in impiety while a secret Muslim nurse instructs the prince in Islam, its prayers and the Kur'an.read · scan
- p. 117–118The watchman is outraged that a Christian would dare kill a Muslim, showing sectarian feeling in the law.read · scan
- p. 296The strangers are asked their religion; each held one of the faiths before Islam.read · scan
- p. 362–363The jeweller's fear of God and loyalty to fellow Muslims frame his warning against the Jew.read · scan
The Song of RolandVol. 49
- p. 95–96Marsil is a heathen who loves not God and serves Apollin and Mahound, while Christian conversion is offered as a ruse.read · scan
- p. 104–106Karl blesses Ganelon with the holy sign; terms demand confession of Christ.read · scan
- p. 107–108Saracens invoke Mahound and Apollin; Ganelon speaks of Christ's confession.read · scan
- p. 116–117Emperor hears Matins and Mass; conflict framed as Christian creed against heathen, with promised conversion to Christian law.read · scan
- p. 123–124Turgis claims Mahound is a match for Peter of Rome; the war is between faiths.read · scan
- p. 126Roland declares the Christian side good and the heathen ill.read · scan
- p. 133–135Turpin cries down the heathen; Satan carries a slain Saracen's soul to hell.read · scan
- p. 135–136Christian-heathen conflict: God's grace turns Margaris's lance aside; Roland scorns Mohammed's power to save his foe.read · scan
- p. 147–148Saracens cry to Mahound to ban the Franks' land, for its sons are stronger than man.read · scan
- p. 176–177Christian thanksgiving contrasts with heathens crying to their idol Termagaunt; Karl holds the holy lance in his sword hilt.read · scan
Sir Thomas More, UtopiaVol. 36
- p. 215–224Utopia's varied religions: sun, moon, planet or hero worship, converging on belief in one supreme power, held by fear of divine revenge.read · scan
Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14
- p. 136–137The imagined quarrel is over the pagan's abandoning Mahomet's sect to become a Christian.read · scan
- p. 312–313Moors' unbelief is compared to resistance to religious truth, unmoved by scripture or articles of faith.read · scan
- p. 392Uchali renounced his faith out of spite at being struck; renegades rise to power.read · scan
- p. 395–396Renegades carry testimonials to be reconciled to the Church; some do so sincerely, others as a ruse.read · scan
- p. 396Renegades' testimonials, Christian faith, and the Virgin Mary under the name Lela Marien.read · scan
- p. 411She asks whether they are Nazarenes, i.e. Christians, before coming down.read · scan
- p. 416Father accuses her of changing faith for licentiousness, not conviction; he invokes Mahomet against the Christians.read · scan
Francis Bacon, The New AtlantisVol. 3
- p. 167Bensalem tolerates the Jews, who unlike others revere Christ and love the nation; their traditions link the country to Abraham and Moses.read · scan
Sir Thomas Browne, Religio MediciVol. 3
- p. 276–277Browne laments Jewish obstinacy, Christian fickleness of faith and the Turk's unconvertibility; persecution is a bad way to plant religion and only confirms heresy.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 42Turks, heretics and infidels follow their fathers' faith from prejudice alone.read · scan
- p. 138Asks which religion can cure pride and lust; pagan, philosophical and Mahometan schemes fail.read · scan
- p. 141–142No other religion recognises both man's excellence and vileness; each takes one side.read · scan
- p. 142–143Only Christianity knows man's greatness and littleness and the reason of both.read · scan
- p. 146Christianity alone cures pride and sloth by the Gospel, uniting participation in divinity with acknowledgment of corruption.read · scan
- p. 186A carnal people was made depositary of the spiritual covenant.read · scan
- p. 193–194Existence of other religions does not disprove Christianity; false religions lack witnesses as the Jews have.read · scan
- p. 194Attacks Mahomet as lacking authority and witnesses, unlike Jesus Christ and the Psalms sung worldwide.read · scan
- p. 194–195Argues against Mahomet: Koran vouches for Matthew, so Mahomet is a false prophet; his clear teachings, like paradise, are ridiculous.read · scan
- p. 195Scripture and Mahomet share obscurity but Scripture has clear passages and fulfilled prophecies; the cases are not on a par.read · scan
- p. 195–196Compares heathen, Mahomedan religions with Christ: Mahomet performed no miracles and was not foretold.read · scan
- p. 196Jewish religion is divine in the Holy Bible though absurd in popular tradition; Moses ordered reading, Mahomet forbade it.read · scan
- p. 196–197Only Christianity teaches man born in sin and has always existed; it is contrary to nature and pleasure.read · scan
- p. 197Carnal Jews and carnal Christians misread the Messiah; true believers expect one who makes them love God.read · scan
- p. 200–201One true religion has always existed: fallen man awaiting a Messiah, kept by saints amid idolatry from Enoch to Jacob.read · scan
- p. 202Expectation of the Messiah has been continuous since the world began, and the Mosaic law was temporary until his coming.read · scan
- p. 203The Jews, oldest people, endure four thousand years while all sects perish, holding the doctrine of man's fall and promised redemption.read · scan
- p. 203Pascal grounds Christianity in the preceding Jewish religion, a certain fact beyond dispute.read · scan
- p. 204Among many religions none has more marks of truth, so reason cannot choose; only the Jewish people stand out as unique and oldest.read · scan
- p. 204A people descended from one man worships one God and holds a law from His hand, awaiting a Saviour for all nations.read · scan
- p. 204–205Pascal admires the law the Jews claim from God.read · scan
- p. 211Christian religion founded on Moses is preserved by providence.read · scan
- p. 211–212The Jews remain faithful to God's law yet oppressed, as a proof of Christ.read · scan
- p. 212–213Their existence and misery are necessary as proof of Jesus Christ.read · scan
- p. 213–214The Jews are a people created to witness the Messiah, keeping the books without understanding them.read · scan
- p. 215God's chosen people kept in hope through images across time.read · scan
- p. 223–224The Jewish religion was the type by which the Messiah was recognized.read · scan
- p. 225The Jews had miracles, prophecy and perpetuity, marks of the true religion; but their teaching lacked worship of God only.read · scan
- p. 233–234Among many contradictory religions all false save one, Christianity alone has fulfilled prophecies.read · scan
- p. 236–237The Jewish people bear corporate testimony despite persecution.read · scan
- p. 244Reprobation of Jews, calling of Gentiles and new law.read · scan
- p. 256–257Sacrifice and tithes were lawful only at Jerusalem, the place God chose; Jewish worship is now unable to offer lawful sacrifice.read · scan
- p. 258Christ's divine teaching is held unmatched by any man before or after him.read · scan
- p. 258–259A new eternal covenant and priesthood after Melchisedek replace the old; idolaters take refuge in Christ.read · scan
- p. 262Jewish unbelief is the foundation of Christian faith and removes any pretext for believing merely by example.read · scan
- p. 263There is a Redeemer only for Christians; heathen do not hope for one and the Jews hope in vain.read · scan
- p. 266Jews reject Christ only because he did not conquer nations or give riches; Pascal finds him lovable for that very reason.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, Minor WorksVol. 48
- p. 371Contrasts the Christian condition with Judaism and heathenism, through grace of the Son.read · scan
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Profession of Faith of a Savoyard VicarVol. 34
- p. 292Many religions exclude each other; only one can be true, so all must be examined fairly, hearing each side.read · scan
- p. 293A religion must be judged among its people, not from its books; each nation thinks its own faith true and others absurd.read · scan
- p. 294–295Christians do not fairly learn Jewish arguments; competing claims about the Messiah show that proofs depend on party.read · scan
- p. 295–296Christians would resent Turkish demands for reverence as Jews resent theirs; missionaries have not reached most of mankind.read · scan
- p. 297–298If one true religion is required under pain of damnation, everyone must study and compare all religions, an absurd demand.read · scan
- p. 299Vicar argues that choosing a religion by inherited authority or lifelong research is absurd; a Christian's and a Turk's adoption of ancestral faith are alike.read · scan
Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, Minna von Barnhelm, or The Soldier's FortuneVol. 26
- p. 310–311Werner says fighting the Turks is the duty of good Christians and profitable in this world and the next.read · scan
William Blake, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 588–591Every man of every creed prays to the human form divine; heathen, Turk and Jew are all to be loved.read · scan
Sir Charles Lyell, Prejudices Which Have Retarded the Progress of GeologyVol. 38
- p. 392–393The Seven Sleepers legend spread through Christianity and the Koran across many nations as revelation.read · scan
Charles Darwin, The Voyage of the BeagleVol. 29
- p. 48–49A tradesman suspects the heretic Darwin is a Turk, reflecting confused religious prejudice.read · scan
Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Twenty-Four Years AfterVol. 23
- p. 379–380Dana visits Catholic, Episcopal, Congregational, Chinese and Jewish places of worship in San Francisco, comparing congregations.read · scan
Edward Augustus Freeman, Race and LanguageVol. 28
- p. 271In the East religion and nationality merge; Muslim conversion makes a Christian a Turk, and the Greek is Greek-speaking and Orthodox.read · scan
14d.Buddhist and Hindu religion
See also: Desire 4c · God 6c · Wisdom 7d · Charity 8b
Buddhist WritingsVol. 45
- p. 577–579Seeking Nirvana as the release from existence, likened to bathing in a lake to wash off filth.read · scan
- p. 583–585Sumedha joyfully joins in clearing the road for Buddha Dipamkara and lays himself in the mud to be trodden upon, seeking merit.read · scan
- p. 585–587Devotion to the Buddha and the Doctrine; the crowd hopes to meet the future Buddha face to face.read · scan
- p. 598–600The multitudes reverence Dipamkara and the aspirant, and the sage calms their fears.read · scan
- p. 600–601Gods and men honor the future Buddha with flowers and blessings, praying he will achieve enlightenment and turn the Wheel of Doctrine.read · scan
- p. 604–605Buddhas teach transitoriness, misery and unreality; conversions and salvation depend on hearers' receptiveness.read · scan
- p. 606The queen keeps festival rites, bathes, gives largess and takes the eight vows.read · scan
- p. 613Sujata's vow to the banyan-tree and her offering of specially prepared milk-rice, with deities infusing sap on the day of Buddhahood.read · scan
- p. 614Sujata offers milk-rice to the supposed tree-deity with bowing and obeisance, then recognizes a holy man; devotional almsgiving.read · scan
- p. 615–616Donation of food to a holy man, ritual bathing, and the pilgrimage place mark the Buddha's consecrated path to enlightenment.read · scan
- p. 616–617Beings and gods do homage to the Future Buddha with perfumes, flowers and heavenly music as he goes to the Bo-tree.read · scan
- p. 621–623Gods, snakes and birds celebrate with offerings and hymns of victory.read · scan
- p. 627–628The serpent-king shelters the Buddha and does him reverence with joined hands.read · scan
- p. 629Describes the Buddha's daily round of begging alms, with nature paying homage through prodigies as he enters the town.read · scan
- p. 630–631Laity offer homage, flowers and food to the Buddha; he teaches them the Doctrine, and some attain saintship and leave the world.read · scan
- p. 631–632Meditation, sermons and reverence by laity form the devotional routine of the Buddha's day.read · scan
- p. 632Buddha surveys the world to find those who made earnest wishes under former Buddhas through alms and precepts.read · scan
- p. 633–634Blossoms, heavenly flowers, sandalwood powder and music worship the Tathagata at his deathbed.read · scan
- p. 634–635True worship of the Buddha is not offerings but fulfilling all duties and precepts with propriety.read · scan
- p. 640–642Subhadda seeks the Doctrine from the Buddha; Ananda tries to protect the weary Blessed One from disturbance.read · scan
- p. 642–643Buddha declares only the doctrine containing the noble eightfold path yields true monks and saints; other creeds lack them; he renounced the world at twenty-nine.read · scan
- p. 643–644Subhadda takes refuge in the Buddha, Doctrine and Order, and seeks ordination after a probation for former adherents of other sects.read · scan
- p. 644–645Subhadda, ordained, lives retired and zealous, becomes a saint; Buddha makes Doctrine and Discipline the teacher after his death and sets rules for the Order.read · scan
- p. 645–646Buddha urges priests to ask questions and to work out their salvation with diligence; trance stages of meditation.read · scan
- p. 646Meditative ascent and descent through trances before entering Nirvana.read · scan
- p. 647–648Malunkyaputta threatens to abandon religious training unless the Buddha answers metaphysical questions.read · scan
- p. 648–649The religious life was never made conditional on solving speculative questions; refusing to live it until answered means dying first.read · scan
- p. 650–651The religious life does not depend on dogmas about the world or saint after death; birth, age, death and sorrow remain to be overcome.read · scan
- p. 651–652Buddha distinguishes what he has not elucidated, being unprofitable to religion, from what he has: misery, its origin, cessation and the path.read · scan
- p. 660Freedom from attachment leads to Nirvana, the holy life completed, and no more rebirth.read · scan
- p. 662–663Both extremes would destroy the religious life; the Buddha teaches a middle doctrine.read · scan
- p. 667Mistaken belief that sacrifices and austerities alarming the gods lead to cessation of misery.read · scan
- p. 670–671Retribution proportioned to deeds makes a religious life and the extinction of misery possible.read · scan
- p. 673–674A religious life is possible only if the reward varies with the deed, not fixed exactly.read · scan
- p. 688–689The Buddha teaches the Noble Doctrine; Yama wishes to be a man and learn it from the Buddha.read · scan
- p. 693–694She gives alms, offerings and keeps the precepts, serving the priests.read · scan
- p. 697–698A householder gives alms to the Buddha and the Order; almsgiving, precepts and fast-days are religious practice.read · scan
- p. 698Each keeps the precepts of fast-day, reserving food to eat at the proper time.read · scan
- p. 699–700Fast-day vows and monkly duties are invoked; Sakka's throne grows hot from the hare's zeal in the precepts.read · scan
- p. 700–701Alms, precepts and fast-days are kept; the hare is rewarded by his image in the moon.read · scan
- p. 701–702The householder attains conversion; the Teacher identifies the Birth-Story characters.read · scan
- p. 702–703The Blessed One's religion is called noble in its beginning, middle and end: conduct, concentration, wisdom.read · scan
- p. 703–704The three disciplines yield stages of sanctification from conversion to saintship.read · scan
- p. 706–707Hearing the Buddha's Doctrine leads to conversion, worship and a taught path.read · scan
- p. 708–709A protective verse invoking the Buddha, Doctrine and Order is chanted.read · scan
- p. 715–716The Future Buddha renounces household life, seeking the summum bonum, the peaceful state.read · scan
- p. 716–717Buddha seeks the religious life under Alara Kalama, drawing on faith, heroism, contemplation and wisdom.read · scan
- p. 719–720Buddha's quest for the peaceful state, his struggle in retreat and attainment of Nirvana, deliverance from rebirth.read · scan
- p. 720–721Buddha is disinclined to teach until Brahma entreats him to open the door to the deathless.read · scan
- p. 722Buddha grants Brahma's request to teach the doctrine and considers whom to teach first.read · scan
- p. 723Buddha seeks a first hearer of the doctrine, his former teachers being dead, and travels to Benares.read · scan
- p. 724–725Buddha proclaims himself the supreme, unsurpassed teacher who has won Nirvana and will found the reign of the Doctrine.read · scan
- p. 725–726Buddha asserts his sainthood and promises the highest good of the holy life to those who follow his instructions.read · scan
- p. 726–727Buddha wins over the five priests, who attain Nirvana, deliverance from rebirth.read · scan
- p. 738–739Attainers of the paths merit worship from gods and men and progress through stages of rebirth toward Nirvana.read · scan
- p. 739The one on the paths is most worthy of votive gifts in the world of gods and men.read · scan
- p. 740An eyewitness describes the solemn Buddhist ordination rite in Ceylon, unchanged for two thousand years, with prescribed attendance and devout attention.read · scan
- p. 741–742Introduces the Ceylon ordination manual, praising the purity and simplicity of the Southern rite compared with the Northern Buddhists.read · scan
- p. 742–743The candidate petitions for deacon's orders and receives robes and the refuges, seeking the destruction of sorrow and Nirvana.read · scan
- p. 743–744The candidate takes triple refuge in Buddha, the Law and the Priesthood, and receives the ten precepts.read · scan
- p. 744–745Ritual questioning of the candidate about alms-bowl, robes and superior in the assembly before priestly ordination.read · scan
- p. 745Formal examination of the candidate's qualifications and his threefold request to the assembly for ordination.read · scan
- p. 745The assembly gives ordination by threefold proclamation, silence signifying consent, completing the priestly rite.read · scan
- p. 748–749Buddha teaches monks to beg like the moon, detached in body and mind, and not to weary or presume on benefactors.read · scan
- p. 749–750Monastic priests take the Buddha as guide and authority; the Doctrine leads to salvation and is to be acted upon.read · scan
- p. 762Visakha's parure is the fruit of her earlier gift of robes to twenty thousand priests, showing merit and karmic reward.read · scan
- p. 762–763The surplus of bulls and cows escaping the fold is credited to the effect of Visakha's merit.read · scan
- p. 763–764Almsgiving to priests in a former life explains present fortune; household divinities are to be revered.read · scan
- p. 765–766Father-in-law favors naked ascetics; Visakha, a Buddhist disciple, rejects them as shameless and cannot revere them as saints.read · scan
- p. 766–767Father-in-law ignores the begging elder; Visakha says he is consuming stale merit and acquiring none in this existence.read · scan
- p. 769–770Visakha secures the right to wait on the Buddhist priests before agreeing to stay.read · scan
- p. 770–771Visakha hosts the Buddha; the naked ascetics try to keep her father-in-law away or hear only from behind a curtain.read · scan
- p. 772She gives alms and deeds of merit and receives eight boons from the Teacher.read · scan
- p. 773–774She goes to hear sermons and removes her ornaments before entering the monastery.read · scan
- p. 774–775Visakha removes showy ornaments before the monastery, hears the Doctrine and tends the sick priests.read · scan
- p. 775–776Visakha treats the parure as a gift to Ananda, buys it herself and offers the money to the Order for a dwelling.read · scan
- p. 776–777Visakha lavishly funds a monastery for the Buddha and his priests; the Teacher's travels and monastic building illustrate devotion and support of the order.read · scan
- p. 777–778Visakha's monastery, alms to the Buddha and priests, and the friend's wish to share in the building's merit show lay devotion.read · scan
- p. 778–779Visakha gives alms, robes and medicines and celebrates her fulfilled prayer, expending 270 millions on the Buddha's religion.read · scan
- p. 780A woman gives alms to a former Buddha for seven days and prays to become chief benefactress of a future Buddha.read · scan
- p. 781Through many rebirths she gives alms and prays to Buddhas, culminating in her meritorious deeds for the Buddha's religion.read · scan
The Bhagavad-Gita; or, Song CelestialVol. 45
- p. 794–795Krishna criticizes ritualists who cite the Vedas for wealth and heaven, and teaches Yog, pure devotion and meditation.read · scan
- p. 797–799Sacrifice and worship of the gods are ordained from creation; the man who gives nothing back steals from the world.read · scan
- p. 800Sacrifice sustains the world's cycle of rain and food; those who feast only for themselves eat sin.read · scan
- p. 804–805Those who worship him are exalted; those seeking rewards sacrifice to lower gods.read · scan
- p. 805Different forms of sacrifice, from altar offerings to self-denial and breath control, all as worship of Brahm.read · scan
- p. 805–809Sacrifices are accepted by Brahma; the non-sacrificer has no part in this world or another.read · scan
- p. 809Faith and meditation on Brahm cast off sins and bring illumination.read · scan
- p. 813–814True piety is moderate: neither too much fasting nor feasting; yogic meditation in solitude with disciplined body and mind leads to Nirvana.read · scan
- p. 814–816Arjuna asks the fate of the faithful who fail in striving, fearing he is lost like a riven cloud.read · scan
- p. 817–818The yogi who worships the Lord with inmost soul is truest and best, above ascetics and the wise.read · scan
- p. 818–819Four sorts of men know and worship him; the devout, wise soul intent on the One is dearest.read · scan
- p. 820–822Worship of lesser gods with various rites yields only fleeting blessings; devotion with love and faith at the hour of death leads to the Lord.read · scan
- p. 822–823Meditation, trustful piety and murmuring OM are the way of devotion.read · scan
- p. 825–827Mahatmas worship with unwandering faith, reverence and sacrifice; the Vedic ritualists earn only a temporary heaven.read · scan
- p. 827–828Offerings of a leaf or flower made lovingly are accepted; worship of other gods reaches only those gods; all acts should be done for Him.read · scan
- p. 830Devotees with hearts fixed on Him, praising and loving, gain happiness and peace.read · scan
- p. 835–837Arjuna kneels, palms clasped, in awed worship of the Undivided, shelter of Virtue's laws.read · scan
- p. 837–839Gods and saints bow and sing hymns of praise while the worlds adore.read · scan
- p. 841–843Prostrating, praising, seeking grace, Arjuna repents of treating the Lord as a friend and asks pardon.read · scan
- p. 843–846Vedas, sacrifice, alms and penance cannot win the vision of God; only perfect faith, service and devotion can.read · scan
- p. 846Compares devotion to the revealed God with worship of the Unmanifest, and offers graded paths of worship, works and renunciation.read · scan
- p. 855–858Single, fervent faith and worship lead beyond the qualities to union with God; the Aswattha parable urges detachment and worship of the Highest.read · scan
- p. 861–863Their offerings are mere show, not made in the piety of ancient faith; faith springs from the three qualities.read · scan
- p. 863–865Faith conforms to the believer's nature; worship, sacrifice and penance are threefold: true, passion-stained or dark, according to motive.read · scan
- p. 865–867Religion followed to torture self or hurt others is of Tamas; gifts are graded by motive, time, place and recipient.read · scan
- p. 870–871Perfection comes through worship wrought by work, meditation, renunciation and faith, leading to oneness with Brahm.read · scan
- p. 872–874Krishna bids Arjuna give his heart, adore and take sole refuge in Him, letting go rites and writ duties; faith promises release.read · scan
- p. 874The holy song is said to bring blessing, victory and power wherever it is remembered.read · scan
14e.Islamic devotion and the Koran
See also: Charity 8a · Punishment 10e
Chapters from the KoranVol. 45
- p. 879The believer is told to adore and draw nigh; prayer is defended against one who forbids it.read · scan
- p. 879–880The prophet is told to rise, warn, magnify the Lord and purify; the damned failed in prayer and charity.read · scan
- p. 881The Qur'an is a memorial to be remembered; the prophet is told to rise by night and chant it.read · scan
- p. 881–882Devotion through night prayer, reading the Qur'an, steadfastness, almsgiving and asking pardon.read · scan
- p. 882–883Prayer for guidance in the right path and service to God alone; each side keeps its own religion.read · scan
- p. 885The Qur'an is a memorial in honored pages; the blind man's plea for instruction shows sincere seeking.read · scan
- p. 889–890Those who refuse to bow down and call the revelation a lie are condemned.read · scan
- p. 892It is a memorial to the pious and a call to celebrate the Lord's name.read · scan
- p. 895–897Believers are urged to celebrate the Lord's name and not to despise the revelation.read · scan
- p. 898–899Ends by commanding men to adore and serve God.read · scan
- p. 903–904The sorcerers, convinced, fall adoring and declare belief in the Lord of Moses and Aaron, hoping for forgiveness.read · scan
- p. 913–914The Qur'an guides to the straightest path; believers are rewarded and Israel's guidance is to take no guardian but God.read · scan
- p. 919–920Commands steadfast prayer through the day and night watch; tribes tempt the Prophet to compromise with idols.read · scan
- p. 931Believers praise the Lord; misbelievers wrangle over God's signs.read · scan
- p. 931–932Call on God sincerely in religion; Pharaoh fears Moses will change his people's religion.read · scan
- p. 932–933A believer at Pharaoh's court hides his faith and defends Moses for saying 'My Lord is God'.read · scan
- p. 933–934The believer calls his people to salvation and to the forgiving One rather than to false gods.read · scan
- p. 934–935Be patient, seek forgiveness, praise the Lord, worship sincerely; the proud who refuse worship enter hell.read · scan
- p. 938–939The faithful keep covenant, are patient, steadfast in prayer, give alms secretly and openly and ward off evil with good.read · scan
- p. 940–941Serving God alone, without associates, and the recompense of believers versus misbelievers; apostles deliver a revealed Book.read · scan
- p. 944–945Obedience to God and the Apostle; the call to that which quickens; gratitude to God.read · scan
- p. 949Those who fled and fought for God's cause, and those who sheltered them, are true believers with forgiveness and provision.read · scan
- p. 957–958Pilgrimage to the first House at Bekkah is due to God; believers must fear God and hold fast without splitting into sects.read · scan
- p. 965Believers are urged to patience, prayer and faith; the faithful ask forgiveness and keep the compact to manifest the Book.read · scan
- p. 965–966Believers exhorted to patience, fear of God and humility before Him in order to prosper.read · scan
- p. 972Serve God alone; prayer rules including abstaining while drunk and using sand for ablution; criticism of Jews perverting words.read · scan
- p. 977–978Penance, fasting, and striving in God's way define the believer's duty; the strenuous are preferred over those who sit at home.read · scan
- p. 978–979Prayer is prescribed and timed, shortened in danger, with armed precautions during congregational prayer; remembrance of God always.read · scan
- p. 979Following the believers' way is required; turning from the prophet leads to hell; almsgiving and reconciliation are praised.read · scan
- p. 980–981The best religion is to resign one's face to God, do good, and follow Abraham's faith.read · scan
- p. 986–987The Apostle is a good example for those who hope in God and the last day.read · scan
- p. 987–988Steadfast prayer, alms and obedience to God and His Apostle are required; rebellion is manifest error.read · scan
- p. 994Religion is perfected as Islam; sacred months, offerings and pilgrimage rites are to be respected.read · scan
- p. 995–996Ritual ablutions before prayer, with sand substitute; prayer, almsgiving and steadfastness as covenant duties.read · scan
- p. 1003–1004Rules of pilgrimage, the Kaabah, sacred month and offerings; hunting forbidden while on pilgrimage.read · scan
Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16
- p. 27The 'Efrit proclaims God and Suleyman as Prophet.read · scan
- p. 27–28Suleyman urges the 'Efrit to embrace the faith and submit; the fisherman appeals to God's pardon.read · scan
- p. 51–52Invocation of God's power and the freed youth's profession of faith in God and Mohammad.read · scan
- p. 84The princess cries that God is most great, having conquered the denier of Mohammad's faith.read · scan
- p. 86She exhorted the Jinni to embrace Islam and dies professing that there is no deity but God.read · scan
- p. 102She recites the Kur'an to compose herself.read · scan
- p. 102A young man reads the Kur'an in an oratory at midnight, the sole survivor of the city.read · scan
- p. 133The party gathers for a Kur'an recitation with religious professors and men of law.read · scan
- p. 152–153The barber cites the Prophet's sayings on shaving and cupping on Friday, and prayers and blessings punctuate the talk.read · scan
- p. 159Friday prayers, the muezzins' chant and the sermon set the time for the tryst.read · scan
- p. 171The blind beggar asks alms 'for the sake of God', and the master mocks the plea.read · scan
- p. 180Friday prayers, ablution and supplication frame the scene; the old woman uses prayer as a pretext.read · scan
- p. 198–200He urges the fear of God, pronounces the profession of faith and dies among the blest; the city mourns.read · scan
- p. 210–211Ibrahim cites the Prophet's injunction of generosity to the stranger as ground for welcoming them.read · scan
- p. 212Ibrahim refuses wine because the Prophet cursed the drinker, presser and carrier of it; Nur-ed-Din argues around the prohibition.read · scan
- p. 279–281Islanders who love depravity and wine and know neither the call to prayer nor prayer are judged worse in religion.read · scan
- p. 289–290He gives legal and other alms upon returning home.read · scan
- p. 307Suleyman demands the king break his idol, worship the one God and profess the prophet's mission.read · scan
- p. 315On opening the gate the sheykh and people exclaim that God is most great.read · scan
- p. 407–409He performs ablutions at the river's bank, and his faith holds him back from suicide.read · scan
- p. 409–410Ala-ed-Din performs ablutions and the morning prayer upon waking.read · scan
Francis Pretty, Sir Francis Drake's Famous Voyage Round the WorldVol. 33
- p. 219–220The king and people are Moors observing new moons with fasts, eating only at night.read · scan
David Hume, Of the Standard of TasteVol. 27
- p. 204–205The Koran's followers cite its morals, but Hume finds it praises bigotry and cruelty toward non-believers.read · scan
John Stuart Mill, On LibertyVol. 25
- p. 279–280Example of Muslims' revulsion at pork eating; banning it by majority would be improper, though religious in origin.read · scan
Edward FitzGerald, Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám of NaishápúrVol. 41
- p. 943–945Rejects the Prophet's promised paradise for present cash; the winter garment of repentance is flung off.read · scan
- p. 951–953Doubts the prophet's paradise, threats of hell and revealed stories; sects and revelations are but tales.read · scan
‹ 13 · Outline