Wednesday, April 14, 2010

all for all, and abreast...

A. Bronson Alcott on the universality of religion and what makes a good Christian...

"'T is the inclusive spirit that holds bodies together and advances the commonwealth of mankind. All for all, and abreast, its motto...

It especially becomes Christians to free themselves from the exclusiveness of sects and creeds of every name and time. Professing to be followers of One who sought to liberate bis disciples from every bias of breeding or of race, they should at least prove themselves strong enough to stand fast in the strength of their convictions, and respect not less the convictions meanwhile of others equally honest and sincere. It were modest to commend all professors to the following of that one Christian in history, Jesus himself. Yet one may even hesitate taking the name of Christian if he implicate his private views by associating with others ; preferring rather to illustrate that sacred name by modesty of profession and purity of life. A Christian is a high type of character, including every excellence to which humanity aspires, a sympathy with all of like aspirations of whatever name or race. And now, while thought is exploring all subjects affecting human welfare, the' spiritual solvent cannot be wanting for fusing the current creeds and recombining them in a fresher faith, answering to the religious needs of the present if not future generations. In the general diffusion of light no special thought can hold the community very long under its shadow, since the revelations made to the various races are culminating in an inclusive faith suited to tho needs of all."
 
Blessings

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