Pope Sixtus I

God is not the name of God, but an opinion about Him.

Pope Sixtus I (42–125) was the Bishop of Rome from c. 115 to his death c. 124, succeeding Pope Alexander I. In the oldest documents, Xystus is the spelling used for the first three popes of that name.

Quotes

• God is not the name of God, but an opinion about Him.
  • The Ring (c. 120).
    • If "The Ring" refers to the work "The Ring of Sixtus", it is highly unlikely that these quotes are attributed correctly. It is widely believed that "The Ring of Sixtus" was written by a Pythagorean philosopher.

• Let your accusations be few in number, even if they be just.
  • The Ring (c. 120).
    • If "The Ring" refers to the work "The Ring of Sixtus", it is highly unlikely that these quotes are attributed correctly. It is widely believed that "The Ring of Sixtus" was written by a Pythagorean philosopher.

• God has conferred upon men liberty of their own will, in order that by purity and sinlessness of life they may become like unto God.
  • As quoted in On Nature and Grace, Ch. 77, by Augustine of Hippo, as translated by Peter Holmes, Robert Ernest Wallis and Benjamin B Warfield in A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Vol. 5 (1887), edited by Philip Schaf, p. 148
    • The quote above is actually from a Pythagorean philosopher. Pelagius attributed the quote to Pope Sixtus, and Augustine followed his lead until he discovered the error. Augustine himself corrects the source of the quote in the "Retractations" section of his book.