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About this quote

What does it mean?
Clarke argues that religion has distorted moral principles, creating a historical tragedy.
In plain terms
Taking morality over by religion is a sad mistake in human history.
What can you take from it?
Morality should exist independently of religious doctrine.

Where it applies

  • ethical debates
  • religious criticism
  • historical analysis

Putting it to work

  • separate ethics from dogma
  • evaluate moral systems independently

Questions to consider

  • Can morality exist without religion?
  • How has religion shaped moral codes?

Another view

It oversimplifies the role religion has played in developing ethical systems.

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