It was the craving to be a one and only people which impelled the ancient Hebrews to invent a one and only God whose one and only people they were to be.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The ancient Hebrews created a single God to unify their identity as a unique people.
- In plain terms
- They invented one God to feel like one unique people.
- What can you take from it?
- Identity shapes religious belief.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does identity shape belief?
- Can one God unify people?
Another view
It reduces complex theology to social utility.
More from Eric Hoffer
Our passionate preoccupation with the sky, the stars, and a God somewhere in outer space is a homing impulse. We are drawn back to where we came from.
Permalink to quote #2 Wordiness is a sickness of American writing. Too many words dilute and blur ideas.
Permalink to quote #4 My writing is done in railroad yards while waiting for a freight, in the fields while waiting for a truck, and at noon after lunch. Towns are too distracting.
Permalink to quote #1
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