Literary notes about christian (AI summary)
In literature the word “Christian” is extraordinarily versatile, operating both as a descriptor of religious belief and moral character as well as a proper name that carries symbolic weight. For instance, in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress the protagonist, Christian, not only embarks on a spiritual journey ([1], [2], [3], [4]) but also embodies the ideals of faith and perseverance. Similarly, authors like Dostoyevsky use the term to denote a person’s commitment to religious principles—“a good Christian” ([5])—while others use “Christian” adjectivally to critique or highlight certain moral or ethical positions ([6], [7]). The term further expands its scope when referring to identifiers such as “Christian name” ([8], [9], [10]), underlining the dual nature of the word as both a marker of personal identity and religious affiliation. This multifaceted usage allows literary works to explore complex themes surrounding identity, morality, and the intersection of personal belief with societal values.
- Then Christian wept, and said, Oh, how willingly would I have done it!
— from The Pilgrim's Progress from this world to that which is to come by John Bunyan - Mr. By-ends and his company also staggered and kept behind, that Christian and Hopeful might outgo them.
— from The Pilgrim's Progress from this world to that which is to come by John Bunyan - Look, said Christian, did not I tell you so?
— from The Pilgrim's Progress from this world to that which is to come by John Bunyan - "Truly," said Christian, "I do not know."
— from The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan Every Child Can Read by John Bunyan - “Pavlicheff was a man of bright intellect and a good Christian, a sincere Christian,” said the prince, suddenly.
— from The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - A criticism of Christian morality is altogether lacking.
— from The Will to Power: An Attempted Transvaluation of All Values. Book I and II by Nietzsche - Nihilist and Christian: they rhyme in German, and they do more than rhyme.... 59.
— from The Antichrist by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche - Christian name.
— from The History of a Crime by Victor Hugo - The last entry on one page recorded the marriage of the man with my Christian name.
— from The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins - “You see, very few Christian names are given.
— from The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie
