Creed and Deed: A Series of Discourses

by Felix Adler

"Creed and Deed: A Series of Discourses" by Felix Adler is a collection of philosophical lectures published in the late 19th century. The book explores themes of morality, religion, and the nature of belief, focusing on the importance of ethical action over dogmatic adherence to creeds. Adler highlights the differences in individual convictions and critiques the limitations of traditional religious doctrines, advocating for a new moral framework. At the start of this work, Adler introduces the founding principles of a society organized around the motto "not by the creed but by the deed." He discusses the challenges posed by rigid theological tenets and emphasizes the necessity of uniting people through common moral values rather than divisive beliefs. He begins by examining the concept of immortality, presenting a critical analysis of its basis in human experience and the often flawed arguments used to justify its acceptance. Adler argues that focusing on ethical actions and the moral law should take precedence over the quest for theological certainty, setting the tone for a thoughtful discourse on the intersection of belief and ethical responsibility.