Byron had at this time a decided leaning towards the Roman Communion, and, while deploring hypocrisies and superstitions, deeply respected those who believed conscientiously, whatever that belief might be. He loathed hypocrites of all kinds, and especially hypocrites in religion.
'I do not reject the doctrines of Christianity,' he said; 'I only ask a few more proofs to profess them sincerely. I do not believe myself to be the vile Christian which so many assert that I am.'
Kennedy advised Byron to put aside all difficult subjects--such as the origin of sin, the fall of man, the nature of the Trinity, the doctrine of predestination, and kindred mysteries--and to study Christianity by the light of the Bible alone, which contains the only means of salvation. We give Byron's answer in full on Dr. Kennedy's authority:
'You recommend what is very difficult; for how is it possible for one who is acquainted with ecclesiastical history, as well as with the writings of the most renowned theologians, with all the difficult questions which have agitated the minds of the most learned, and who sees the divisions and sects which abound in Christianity, and the bitter language which is often used by the one against the other; how is it possible, I ask, for such a one not to inquire into the nature of the doctrines which have given rise to so much discussion? One Council has pronounced against another; Popes have belied their predecessors, books have been written against other books, and sects have risen to replace other sects. The Pope has opposed the Protestants, and the Protestants the Pope. We have heard of Arianism, Socinianism, Methodism, Quakerism, and numberless other sects. Why have these existed? It is a puzzle for the brain; and does it not, after all, seem safer to say: "Let us be neutral: let those fight who will, and when they have settled which is the best religion, then shall we also begin to study it." I like your way of thinking, in many respects; you make short work of decrees and Councils, you reject all which is not in harmony with the Scriptures. You do not admit of theological works filled with Latin and Greek, of both High and Low Church; you would even suppress many abuses which have crept into the Church, and you are right; but I question whether the Archbishop of Canterbury or the Scotch Presbyterians would consider you their ally.'