Ross Douthat Quotes

For the standard of Christian life was to be strained to a higher pitch; more fasting was required, and more careful separation from the manners and enjoyments of the world; celibacy and martyrdom had great value set upon them, and second marriages were prohibited.

For both Protestants and Catholics, and whether or not absolute continence is demanded of the clergy, celibacy remains a blessed spiritual state.

The truly longstanding tradition in the church is that some are called to celibacy. Some feel called to it. But the church has never supported that celibacy be mandated for someone not called to it. It's never imposed on someone.

Whoso will pray, he must fast and be clean, And fat his soul, and make his body lean.

Moral character has now some influence in our elections, but not that place which it deserves. The law of public opinion excludes confirmed sots, and persons judicially convicted of high crimes and misdemeanors against the State; but it ought to render the election of all profane swearers, notorious Sabbath breakers, seducers, slanderers, prodigals and riotous persons, as well as the advocates of dueling, impracticable.

It's very important for Christians to be honest with God, which often, you know, God is much more interested in who you are than who you want to be.

The church may hold whatever it holds with regard to clerical celibacy.

Let not then any one deceive you, as indeed you are not deceived, inasmuch as you are wholly devoted to God.

Death is not more certainly a separation of our souls from our bodies than the Christian life is a separation of our souls from worldly tempers, vain indulgences, and unnecessary cares.

Though language forms the preacher, 'Tis good works make the man.

There ain't any news in being good. You might write the doings of all the convents of the world on the back of a postage stamp, and have room to spare.

The main rule to me is to honor God with your life. To life a life of integrity. Not be selfish. You know, help others. But that's really the essence of the Christian faith.

Job 29 is about Job reflecting on his past before the calamity hit him to say this is the type of man I was. So, you want to know what God calls perfect and upright? Read Job 29, and you will understand what kind of man God esteems.

I like to see honesty out of people. People who are trustworthy. I like to see people who are involved with The Lord.

Consistency, madam, is the first of Christian duties.

I would distinguish, and the Church distinguishes, between orientation and action. We have many priests who have lived their lives in keeping with the absolute value of celibacy.

Faith is not to be kept with him who keeps not faith with God

I will be a priest forever.

There's this idea supposedly that we preachers are supposed to walk about with sandals and ride bicycles. That's nonsense.

The reason for fasting is to understand the relationship between what's you and what's the accumulative body.

We should be living a life of purity.

Playing a sadhu is not easy at all.

Moral training in Ireland is severe and lasts until marriage. Even in childhood, we are taught by the pious clergy to battle against bad thoughts so that we may preserve our holy purity.

All gods have good points, just as have all priests

Shall piety be a license to immoral deeds, and shall religion be regarded as affording the occasion for all riotous extravagance?