Single Idea 22653

[catalogued under 29. Religion / B. Monotheistic Religion / 4. Christianity / a. Christianity]

Full Idea

In what did the emancipating message of primitive Christianity consist but in the announcement that God recognizes those weak and tender impulses which paganism had so rudely overlooked.

Gist of Idea

Early Christianity says God recognises the neglected weak and tender impulses

Source

William James (The Sentiment of Rationality [1882], p.36)

Book Reference

James,William: 'Selected Writings of William James', ed/tr. Bird,Graham [Everyman 1995], p.36


A Reaction

Nietzsche says these are the virtues of a good slave. Previous virtues were dominated by military needs, but the new virtues are those of large cities, where communal living with strangers is the challenge.