How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I had therefore as much religion as was natural in a boy of my years, or rather more. (2.1.39)
Rousseau's stance is that kids aren't naturally religious. He's no Puritan, that's for sure.
Quote #2
So, when I said that one should not talk to children about religion if one hopes one day they will have some, and that they are incapable of knowing God, even in our imperfect way, I was basing my conviction on my observations, but not on my own experience. (2.1.40)
Rousseau is constantly acknowledging that he doesn't know it all when it comes to religion. He's a humble guy.
Quote #3
His episcopal dignity did not permit him to act like a beggar. (4.2.52)
Rousseau's fascinated by religious roles. Why can't the Canton of Fribourg stoop to the role of a beggar?
Quote #4
No doubt they thought that my shirts too smelt of heresy. (5.1.53)
Even though Rousseau is secretly scared of being labeled a heretic, he's got enough of a sense of humor to make fun of himself.
Quote #5
Believers in general create God in their own image. (6.1.10)
Rousseau's observations often come across as scornful, but he's totally fascinated with how religion makes people act.
Quote #6
I have never liked to pray in a room; walls and all the little works of man come between myself and God. (6.1.23)
Whenever Rousseau's in church, he worries that he'll get called out as a hypocrite. In the great outdoors, no one's around to judge.
Quote #7
The fear of Hell, which had bothered me very little before, gradually disturbed my ease of mind. (6.1.31)
Rousseau often writes lightheartedly about confession. After learning a little about theology, though, the concept of Hell blows his mind.
Quote #8
I relied on my perspicuity to disentangle the prince's share from the priest's. (8.1.16)
Rousseau is going to land himself in the Bastille if he keeps undermining religious authorities. At least, that's what his friends think.
Quote #9
[…] since I wished to become a citizen I must become a Protestant and return to the established faith. (8.3.4)
Rousseau seems a little relieved to be converting back to his original religion. We wonder why.
Quote #10
In my room I pray less often and with less fervor; but at the sight of a beautiful landscape I feel moved, though I cannot say by what. (12.1.40)
Okay, we've heard this before. Is Rousseau a Deist?