"The Reformers, therefore, as instruments in the hands of God, in delivering the Church from bondage to prelates, did not make it a tumultuous multitude, in which every man was a law to himself, free to believe, and free to do what he pleased"
- Charles Hodge
About this Quote
This quote by Charles Hodge speaks to the role of the Reformers in releasing the Church from the bondage of prelates. Hodge is highlighting that the Reformers did not make the Church a chaotic and lawless place, but instead, they looked for to create a Church in which individuals were complimentary to believe and act according to their own conscience. To put it simply, the Reformers sought to create a Church in which individuals were complimentary to practice their faith without interference from outside forces. This quote speaks with the value of spiritual liberty and the requirement for individuals to be able to practice their faith without fear of persecution or oppression. It likewise talks to the value of appreciating the beliefs of others and enabling them to practice their faith without interference. Eventually, this quote acts as a reminder of the significance of religious freedom and the need to appreciate the beliefs of others.
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