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As I conceive this doctrine to be a gross misrepresentation of the character and moral government of God, and to affect many other articles in the scheme of Christianity, greatly disfiguring and depraving it; I shall show, ... that it has no countenance whatever in reason, or the Scriptures; and, therefore, that the whole doctrine of atonement, with every modification of it, has been a departure from the primitive and genuine doctrine of Christianity.

Joseph Priestley#1

ChristianityReasonScriptureTheology

About this quote

What does it mean?
The author argues that the doctrine of atonement distorts Christianity and lacks scriptural support.
In plain terms
This view says atonement is wrong and not found in the Bible or reason.
What can you take from it?
Religious doctrines should align with reason and scripture.

Where it applies

  • theological debate
  • religious study

Putting it to work

  • question doctrines
  • study scripture

Questions to consider

  • What doctrines do you question?
  • How do you interpret scripture?

Another view

It presents a strong rejection of a central Christian tenet without nuance.

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