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I almost shudder at the thought of alluding to the most fatal example of the abuses of grief which the history of mankind has preserved - the Cross. Consider what calamities that engine of grief has produced! With the rational respect that is due to it, knavish priests have added prostitutions of it, that fill or might fill the blackest and bloodiest pages of human history.

John Adams#43

HistoryEthicsReligionCultureAbuseSymbol

About this quote

What does it mean?
The Cross has been used to justify great suffering and abuse throughout history.
In plain terms
Religion has caused much cruelty.
What can you take from it?
Religious symbols can be misused to legitimize violence.

Where it applies

  • historical analysis
  • interfaith dialogue

Putting it to work

  • educational curricula
  • critical theology

Questions to consider

  • What safeguards prevent religious abuse?
  • How can faith be reclaimed for peace?

Another view

It focuses on negative aspects and may overlook positive contributions of faith.

More from John Adams

  1. Power always sincerely, conscientiously, de tres bon foi, believes itself right. Power always thinks it has a great soul and vast views, beyond the comprehensi…

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  2. We have now, it Seems a National Bible Society, to propagate King James's Bible, through all Nations. Would it not be better to apply these pious Subscriptions…

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  3. We may appeal to every page of history we have hitherto turned over, for proofs irrefragable, that the people, when they have been unchecked, have been as unju…

    Permalink to quote #41

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