The priesthood have, in all ancient nations, nearly monopolized learning. Read over again all the accounts we have of Hindoos, Chaldeans, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Celts, Teutons, we shall find that priests had all the knowledge, and really governed mankind. Examine Mahometanism, trace Christianity from its first promulgation; knowledge has been almost exclusively confined to the clergy. And, even since the Reformation, when or where has existed a Protestant or dissenting sect who would tolerate A FREE INQUIRY? The blackest billingsgate, most ungentlemanly insolence, the most yahooish brutality is patiently endured, countenanced, propagated and applauded, but touch a solemn truth in collision with a dogma of a sect, though capable of the clearest proof, and you will soon find you have disturbed a nest, and the hornets will swarm about your legs and hands, and fly into your face and eyes.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Adams critiques the historic monopoly of knowledge by clergy and the intolerance toward free inquiry across religions.
- In plain terms
- He says priests have hoarded knowledge and punished questioning.
- What can you take from it?
- Free inquiry has often been suppressed by religious authorities.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How can societies balance tradition and free thought?
- What examples show successful religious openness?
Another view
Not all religious traditions have uniformly suppressed inquiry.
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