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Faith which refuses to face indisputable facts is but little faith. Truth is always gain...

Albert Schweitzer

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The Straight Way of Faith

Topic: Belief & Faith

Faith which refuses to face indisputable facts is but little faith. Truth is always gain, however hard it is to accommodate ourselves to it. To linger in any kind of untruth proves to be a departure from the straight way of faith.

Albert Schweitzer

Albert Schweitzer (January 14, 1875 - September 4, 1965) was a multi-faceted personality—a theologian, organist, writer, humanitarian, philosopher, and physician—whose accomplishments spanned diverse areas. Born into an Alsatian family with a rich tradition in religion, music, and education, his early life was shaped by the spiritual and scholarly pursuits of his ancestors. This milieu nurtured his deep interest in theology and music. A Lutheran by faith, Schweitzer challenged both the secular view of Jesus as well as the traditional Christian view, contributing significantly to the interpretation of Pauline Christianity. His life was also characterized by a strong dedication to humanitarian work, as exemplified by his role as a medical missionary in Africa.

Schweitzer embarked on his intellectual journey at the University of Strasbourg in 1893, where he undertook intensive theological studies. He received his doctorate in philosophy in 1899 with a dissertation on Kant's religious philosophy and his licentiate in theology in 1900. During this period, he began preaching at St. Nicholas Church and held several high-ranking administrative positions at the Theological College of St. Thomas from 1901 to 1912. His acclaimed book, The Quest of the Historical Jesus, published in 1906, established his reputation as a notable theological scholar.

Parallel to his theological endeavors, Schweitzer pursued a distinguished career in music, stemming from his early piano and organ lessons. He was recognized as an internationally renowned concert organist from his young adulthood until his mid-eighties. His concerts not only showcased his musical talent but also provided funds for his education and his later medical mission in Africa. As a musicologist, Schweitzer penned a biography of Bach in 1905 and published a book on organ building and playing in 1906, further cementing his reputation in the realm of music.

In 1905, Schweitzer began studying medicine at the University of Strasbourg with a vision to serve as a medical missionary in Africa. Upon obtaining his M.D. degree in 1913, he founded a hospital in Lambaréné, French Equatorial Africa. After a stint as a prisoner of war and a period of six years in Europe, he returned to Lambaréné in 1924, where he spent most of his remaining life. He transformed the hospital into a large complex capable of housing over 500 patients. His life in Lambaréné reflected his multi-disciplinary talents—he was a doctor, surgeon, pastor, administrator, writer, musician, and a gracious host. His exceptional service earned him numerous honors, including the Goethe Prize of Frankfurt and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953. The latter award's prize money helped him establish a leprosarium in Lambaréné. Albert Schweitzer passed away on September 4, 1965, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and dedication to the service of humanity.

(1875-1965) Christianity
The Spiritual Life

Schweitzer, Albert. The Spiritual Life: Selected Writings of Albert Schweitzer. 1947, (Originally published as Albert Schweitzer: An Anthology) p. 290.

Albert Schweitzer

Commentary on Albert Schweitzer’s Quote [Brief Intro]

Albert Schweitzer’s quote “Faith which refuses to face indisputable facts is but little faith. Truth is always gain, however hard it is to accommodate ourselves to it. To linger in any kind of untruth proves to be a departure from the straight way of faith” brings to light the necessity of acknowledging and accepting the truth for faith to be genuine and significant.

[For additional commentary click “Read More.”]

Albert Schweitzer’s Quote [Longer commentary]

The first part of the quote suggests that true faith doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable realities, but rather confronts them with open-hearted acceptance. A belief or faith that can’t withstand the test of undeniable truths is weak. It tells us that a strong faith is not one that shelters itself in delusions or lies, but one that finds its foundation in truth. Like a resilient tree that can withstand harsh storms, real faith is not threatened by harsh truths, but is instead strengthened by them.

The second part of the quote highlights the idea of personal growth and enlightenment that comes from acknowledging truth, however challenging it may be. The phrase “Truth is always gain” emphasizes that even if the truth is difficult or painful to accept, understanding it contributes to our wisdom and personal development. It implies that recognizing and confronting hard truths can be a transformative experience. It’s like the process of refining gold, where the raw material is subjected to extreme heat to remove impurities. Similarly, the heat of harsh truths, though tough to face, purifies our faith and makes it stronger and more valuable.

The final part of Schweitzer’s quote points out that living in denial or falsehood is a deviation from a faithful path. By stating that lingering in any form of untruth is a “departure from the straight way of faith,” Schweitzer is suggesting that a truthful and honest path is integral to faith. Any deviation into dishonesty or denial undermines our faith and ultimately our self-growth. Just like a ship off course will fail to reach its destination, so too will our journey of faith if it is misguided by untruths. To stay on course, we must have the courage and wisdom to confront and accept the truth, no matter how difficult it may be.

In conclusion, Schweitzer’s quote emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and courage in the journey of faith. It reminds us that faith is not about avoiding reality, but about facing it head-on and growing from it. If we are willing to be honest with ourselves and others, even when it is difficult, our faith will be stronger and more rewarding.

Albert Schweitzer

Albert Schweitzer (14 January 1875 – 4 September 1965) was a German philosopher, philanthropist, physician, theologian, missionary, and musicologist who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952.

—Albert Schweitzer [Biographical introduction on Nobel prize website].

Additional Albert Schweitzer Quotes

“If rational thought thinks itself out to a conclusion, it arrives at something non-rational which, nevertheless, is a necessity of thought. This is the paradox that dominates our spiritual life. If we try to get on without this non-rational element, there result views of the world and of life which have neither vitality nor value.”

—Albert Schweitzer [Kulturphilosophie (1923), Vol. 2 : Civilization and Ethics].

“The ethic of reverence for life constrains all, in whatever walk of life they may find themselves, to busy themselves intimately with all the human and vital processes which are being played out around them, and to give themselves as men to the man who needs human help and sympathy…  The destiny of men has to fulfill itself in a thousand ways, so that goodness may be actualized. What every individual has to contribute remains his own secret. But we must all mutually share in the knowledge that our existence only attains its true value when we have experienced in ourselves the truth of the declaration: ‘He who loses his life shall find it.’

—Albert Schweitzer [The Spiritual Life (1947)] p. 267.

“The deeper we look into nature, the more we recognize that it is full of life, and the more profoundly we know that all life is a secret and that we are united with all life that is in nature. Man can no longer live for himself alone. We realize that all life is valuable, and that we are united to all this life. From this knowledge comes our spiritual relationship to the universe.”

—Albert Schweitzer [The Spiritual Life (1947)] p. 248.

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