Meaning: Cyril Connolly, an English intellectual, critic, and writer, eloquently captures the internal struggle faced by individuals who were raised in the Christian faith but have since abandoned their beliefs. In this quote, he reflects on the enduring impact of the Christian upbringing on those who have lost their faith. The notion of sin, deeply ingrained during their formative years, persists even in the absence of the redemptive beliefs that once accompanied it. This conflict, according to Connolly, not only taints their thinking but also immobilizes them in their endeavors.

The quote implies that the concept of sin, often accompanied by feelings of guilt and moral responsibility, continues to exert its influence on individuals who have strayed from their Christian beliefs. Despite the abandonment of faith, the sense of wrongdoing and the burden of sin linger, shaping their thoughts and actions. This internal conflict can be deeply unsettling, as it creates a discord between the moral framework instilled in one's upbringing and the newfound absence of religious guidance.

The impact of this lingering sense of sin without the promise of redemption can be profound, affecting various aspects of an individual's life. In the absence of a belief in redemption, there may be a pervasive feeling of inadequacy, a sense of being irreparably flawed or unworthy. This can lead to a paralyzing self-doubt and a struggle to find meaning and purpose in one's actions. The absence of a redemptive belief system leaves individuals grappling with the weight of their perceived transgressions without the hope of absolution.

Connolly's observation also speaks to the broader implications of this internal conflict. The poisoning of thought, as he describes it, suggests that the lingering sense of sin can contaminate one's worldview and decision-making processes. It may lead to a distorted self-perception and a constant sense of moral failing, inhibiting the ability to think and act with clarity and confidence. The burden of unabsolved sin can manifest as a barrier to personal growth and fulfillment, hindering individuals from fully engaging in the world around them.

Furthermore, the quote underscores the lasting impact of religious upbringing and the complexities of navigating the transition away from faith. The retention of the sense of sin without the accompanying belief in redemption highlights the enduring power of religious indoctrination and its influence on individual psyche. Even after the rejection of belief, the moral framework and psychological imprint of the faith endure, shaping the way individuals perceive themselves and engage with the world.

In conclusion, Cyril Connolly's quote offers a poignant insight into the enduring influence of religious upbringing on those who have lost their faith. The persistence of the sense of sin without the saving belief in redemption creates a profound internal conflict, poisoning thought and paralyzing action. This observation sheds light on the complexities of navigating the aftermath of religious disillusionment and the lasting impact of deeply ingrained moral frameworks. It invites reflection on the psychological and existential challenges faced by individuals grappling with the remnants of their religious past, as they strive to reconcile their upbringing with their evolving beliefs and values.