“The ethical element of religion has ever been its truly vital and quickening force.”

—  Felix Adler

Founding Address (1876), Life and Destiny (1913)
Context: The ethical element of religion has ever been its truly vital and quickening force. It is this which lends such majesty to the speeches of the Prophets, which gives such ineffable power and sweetness to the words of Jesus. Has this ethical element become less important in our age? Has the need of accentuating it become less imperative?
To-day, in the estimation of many, science and art are taking the place of religion. But science and art alike are inadequate to build up character and to furnish binding rules of conduct.
We need also a clearer understanding of applied ethics, a better insight into the specific duties of life, a finer and a surer moral tact.

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Felix Adler 99
German American professor of political and social ethics, r… 1851–1933

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