Francis Atterbury Quotes

Powerful Francis Atterbury for Daily Growth

About Francis Atterbury

Francis Atterbury Quotes (1713-1776) was an Anglican theologian and bishop, renowned for his significant contributions to the Church of England during the 18th century. Born in 1713 in London, he was the eldest son of Reverend Thomas Atterbury, a Canon of Windsor and member of the influential Tory political family. Atterbury's early education took place at Westminster School, where he excelled academically. He later studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1732. His theological studies were deeply influenced by the teachings of Richard Hooker and John Locke. In 1740, Atterbury was appointed as a fellow at Oriel College, Oxford, where he would later become Dean in 1754. During his time at Oxford, he published several influential works, including 'A Discourse on Usury' (1749) and 'The Christian Sabbath' (1754). The latter work, a defense of the traditional observance of Sunday as the Christian Sabbath, caused controversy but solidified his reputation as a leading religious thinker. In 1768, Atterbury was appointed Bishop of Rochester by King George III. However, his tenure was short-lived, as he was impeached in 1770 for high crimes and misdemeanors related to his alleged involvement in the Popish Plot. Despite strong public support, Atterbury was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment in the Tower of London. He died there in 1776. Throughout his life, Francis Atterbury Quotes demonstrated a deep commitment to the Church of England and a keen intellect that shaped Anglican theology during the 18th century. His major works continue to be studied today as significant contributions to Christian thought.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The Church is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ."

This quote emphasizes that the Church's foundation and source of strength is Jesus Christ himself, rather than any human institution or dogma. It suggests a belief in the primacy of Christ in the understanding of the Church, implying its essential role in Christian faith and practice. The Church, therefore, is seen as a manifestation of the teachings and presence of Jesus Christ among people.


"The chief business of the Christian life is prayer."

The quote emphasizes that the primary activity or focus of a Christian's life should be prayer. This suggests that spiritual communication, reflection, and connection with God through prayer are central to living as a Christian. It underscores the importance of nurturing a personal relationship with God, seeking His guidance, and expressing one's faith through continuous dialogue.


"A true Christian is one who not only believes, but lives, and prays."

The quote emphasizes that true Christianity involves not just believing in the faith, but also living according to its teachings and praying, which signifies a deep, ongoing communication with God. In other words, it is essential for a Christian to not only accept the religion intellectually, but to embody its values through actions and maintain a personal relationship with God through prayer.


"It is impossible to be truly a Christian without being a real Christian."

This quote by Francis Atterbury emphasizes that authentic Christianity involves more than just the label or nominal association; it requires genuine, lived-out faith. To be a "real Christian" means embodying the teachings of Christ in one's actions and attitudes consistently. It's not enough to simply identify oneself as a Christian; true faith must manifest in a way that aligns with the principles Jesus taught.


"True religion consists in loving God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves."

This quote by Francis Atterbury emphasizes the importance of love as the cornerstone of true religious practice. He suggests that genuine faith involves a profound, unwavering love for God, encompassing every aspect of one's being – heart, mind, soul, and strength. Additionally, it encourages love for fellow humans, treating them with the same care and consideration we extend to ourselves. This dual focus on divine and human love forms the basis for a harmonious, compassionate, and virtuous life.


Affliction is a school of virtue; it corrects levity, and interrupts the confidence of sinning.

- Francis Atterbury

Confidence, School, Levity, Corrects

They who are not induced to believe and live as they ought by those discoveries which God hath made in Scriptures would stand out against any evidence whatever, even that of a messenger sent express from the other world.

- Francis Atterbury

Other, Against, Evidence, Messenger

The greater absurdities are, the more strongly they evince the falsity of that supposition from whence they flow.

- Francis Atterbury

More, Falsity, Whence, Flow

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