“But as to all opinions which do not strike at the root of Christianity, we think and let think.”
"The Character of a Methodist" (1739); in The Works of the Rev. John Wesley in Ten Volumes (1826), Volume IV, p. 407; A portion of this is commonly quoted as "Think and let think.".
General sources
Context: The distinguishing marks of a Methodist are not his opinions of any sort. His assenting to this or that scheme of Religion, his embracing any particular set of notions, his espousing the judgment of one man or of another, are all quite wide of the point. Whosoever therefore imagines, that a Methodist is a man of such or such an opinion, is grossly ignorant of the whole affair; he mistakes the truth totally. We believe indeed, that all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and herein we are distinguished from Jews, Turks, and Infidels. We believe the written word of God to be the only and sufficient rule, both of Christian faith and practice; and herein we are fundamentally distinguished from those of the Romish church. We believe Christ to be the eternal, supreme God; and herein we are distinguished from the Socinians and Arians. But as to all opinions which do not strike at the root of Christianity, we think and let think. So that whatsoever they are, whether right or wrong, they are no distinguishing marks of a; Methodist.
Help us to complete the source, original and additional information
John Wesley77
Christian theologian 1703–1791Related quotes
“An intellectual hatred is the worst,
So let her think opinions are accursed.”
W.B. Yeats book Michael Robartes and the Dancer
St. 8 <br class="br">Michael Robartes and the Dancer (1921), A Prayer For My Daughter http://poetry.poetryx.com/poems/1421/ <br class="br">Source: The Yeats Reader, Revised Edition: A Portable Compendium of Poetry, Drama, and Prose <br class="br">Context: An intellectual hatred is the worst,<br>So let her think opinions are accursed.<br>Have I not seen the loveliest woman born<br>Out of the mouth of plenty’s horn,<br>Because of her opinionated mind<br>Barter that horn and every good<br>By quiet natures understood<br>For an old bellows full of angry wind?
Douglas Adams book Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
Source: Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (1987)
Louis L'Amour (1908–1988) Novelist, short story writer
Frederick William Robertson (1816–1853) British writer and theologian
Source: Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers (1895), P. 138.
James Freeman Clarke (1810–1888) American theologian and writer
Source: Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers (1895), P. 121.
“True glory strikes root, and even extends itself; all false pretensions fall as do flowers, nor can anything feigned be lasting.”
Vera gloria radices agit atque etiam propagatur, ficta omnia celeriter tamquam flosculi decidunt nec simulatum potest quicquam esse diuturnum.
Marcus Tullius Cicero (-106–-43 BC) Roman philosopher and statesman
Book II, section 43
De Officiis – On Duties (44 BC)