Leland Ryken Quotations

The oldest theory of art belongs to the Greeks, who regarded art as an imitation (mimesis) of reality. The strength of that theory is that it explains the way in which art takes its materials from real life.

Puritanism was a youthful, vigorous movement.

The goal of Bible translation is be transparent to the original text - to see as clearly as possible what the biblical authors actually wrote.

The Bible is obviously a mixed book. Literary and nonliterary (expository, explanatory) writing exist side by side within the covers of this unique book.

The Puritans removed organs and paintings from churches, but bought them for private use in their homes.

In Puritan thinking, the Christian life was a heroic venture, requiring a full quota of energy.

With so many contradictory renditions of the biblical text, the public has lost confidence that we can actually know what the Bible says. It is an easy step from this skepticism to an indifference about what the Bible says.

Since God is the one who calls people to their work, the worker becomes a steward who serves God.

Writers themselves benefit from all helpful information about their task and methods. Readers, in turn, can have both their understanding and appreciation of literature enhanced by information about the writer's work.

The Puritans were obsessed with the dangers of wealth.