Meaning: The quote "The living Church of the redeemed is his book. He founded a religion of the living spirit, not of a written code, like the Mosaic law. Yet his words and deeds are recorded by as honest and reliable witnesses as ever put pen to paper." by Philip Schaff, a theologian, touches on the idea that the essence of Christianity is not confined to a written code or set of laws, but rather to the living spirit of the Church. The quote suggests that the true teachings of Christianity are embodied and transmitted through the living community of believers, rather than being solely based on a written text or code. This concept has profound implications for the understanding of Christianity and the role of the Church in preserving and sharing its teachings.

The "living Church of the redeemed" refers to the community of believers who have been redeemed or saved by their faith in Jesus Christ. According to Schaff, this living community represents the true embodiment of the teachings of Jesus, functioning as a living book that carries and transmits the essence of the Christian faith. This idea aligns with the belief that the Church, as the body of Christ, plays a vital role in continuing the work and teachings of Jesus on earth.

The quote also contrasts the Christian religion with the Mosaic law, which is based on a written code found in the Old Testament of the Bible. The Mosaic law, given to Moses by God, consists of a comprehensive set of rules and regulations that govern various aspects of religious and moral life for the Israelites. In contrast, Schaff suggests that Jesus founded a religion of the living spirit, emphasizing a more dynamic and personal connection to the divine rather than a strict adherence to a written code.

Furthermore, the quote acknowledges the recording of Jesus' words and deeds by "honest and reliable witnesses." This likely refers to the authors of the New Testament, who documented the life, teachings, and actions of Jesus in the Gospels and other writings. Schaff's emphasis on the reliability of these witnesses underscores the significance of the written accounts of Jesus' life as a valuable resource for understanding and learning from his teachings.

Philip Schaff, the theologian behind the quote, was a prominent figure in the study of church history and theology. As a historian, he sought to understand the development of Christian thought and the role of the Church in preserving and transmitting the teachings of Jesus. His quote reflects his perspective on the living nature of the Christian faith and the importance of the community of believers in perpetuating its message.

In conclusion, Philip Schaff's quote highlights the idea that the living Church, as the embodiment of the redeemed community, serves as a living book that carries the essence of the Christian faith. It emphasizes the dynamic and personal nature of Christianity, rooted in the living spirit rather than a rigid written code. The quote also acknowledges the value of the recorded words and deeds of Jesus as conveyed by trustworthy witnesses. Overall, Schaff's words invite reflection on the role of the Church in preserving and sharing the teachings of Jesus and the dynamic nature of the Christian faith.