I believe it was John Wesley -- the man behind the Wesleyan faith (such as Methodist) that spoke these words. What did it mean? And would it mean that a dirty person could not be Godly?
2007-08-10 04:47:11 · 7 answers · asked by Jen 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
With out sin.That's why the word "next" is used.
2007-08-10 04:52:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Western civilization has a long history of associating cleanliness with goodness and merit, best summed up by the old expression "cleanliness is next to Godliness." In ancient Greek plays, evil people and spirits--the Furies, for example--were often described as filthy.
Over time, cleanliness became a measure with which the "haves" separated themselves from the "have-nots."
I say accept only the rules and values which make sense to you and really are in your best interest. Figure out what's right for you and don't let anybody tell you different--but also, make an effort to understand where others are coming from, and evaluate their actions by your own standards, not according to some standardized norm.
2007-08-10 05:00:02 · answer #2 · answered by mscute1lori 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
actually, my mother, who is catholic, and my stepdad, a Pentecostal (What a pair...) actually have said that the saying nowadays means that a clean home invites good things to come your way... Now, I'm not exactly a big believer in that way.
The way i think, What was originally meant that whenever you entered the church, you should try to look as presentable as possible. That could very much be true, because my biological father was a devout methodist, he'd slouch around, but the minute he went to get ready to go anywhere, even church, he was in a suit.
I dunno if that made any sense to you, but i at least tried to answer, putting as much wisdom as i could muster...
2007-08-10 04:53:09 · answer #3 · answered by Tweekus Ultimuus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depict only importance of cleanliness
2007-08-10 04:50:58 · answer #4 · answered by Rana 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think he was trying to inspire the dirty unwashed masses to bathe. They must have been really stinky.
2007-08-10 04:50:12 · answer #5 · answered by hypno_toad1 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God is holy and clean in every way. So we humans must strive to be clean physically, mentally, spiritually and morally. Then it will make you closer to God and your worship acceptable to him.
2007-08-10 04:58:16 · answer #6 · answered by I'M GONNA GO PLACES 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I've seen some pretty messy *** Christian houses in my life.
2007-08-10 04:49:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋