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About this quote

What does it mean?
Religions generally teach good values, so bad actions by followers come from personal failings rather than the faith itself.
In plain terms
Religious people doing evil things do so against their religion, not because of it.
What can you take from it?
Judge actions by their own merit, not just the label of the person doing them.

Where it applies

  • evaluating religious critics
  • discussing faith-based harm
  • analyzing character

Putting it to work

  • critique actions not doctrines
  • separate faith from follower
  • assess individual responsibility

Questions to consider

  • Can a belief system be good while its adherents act badly?
  • Where do we draw the line between faith and action?

Another view

This view might overlook how religious doctrines can implicitly encourage harmful behaviors.

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