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About this quote

What does it mean?
Nietzsche calls Christianity a metaphysical justification for murder.
In plain terms
He sees Christianity as a belief system that rationalizes killing.
What can you take from it?
Question the moral foundations of religions that may endorse violence.

Where it applies

  • debating ethics
  • critiquing doctrine

Putting it to work

  • critical essays
  • philosophical debates

Questions to consider

  • What makes a belief system morally defensible?
  • Can a religion be both spiritual and violent?

Another view

The statement is a sweeping generalization that ignores many peaceful aspects of Christianity.

More from Friedrich Nietzsche

  1. Ohne Musik ware das Leben ein Irrtum.

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  2. Two great European narcotics, alcohol and Christianity.

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  3. Women are considered profound. Why? Because we never fathom their depths. But women aren't even shallow.

    Permalink to quote #158

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