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About this quote

What does it mean?
Laughing at atheists is a poor trade for offending the divine.
In plain terms
Mocking faith is bad if it insults God.
What can you take from it?
Mockery of faith may have serious spiritual costs.

Where it applies

  • religious debate
  • social conflict
  • personal beliefs

Putting it to work

  • respect beliefs
  • avoid mockery
  • discuss gently

Questions to consider

  • Is mockery of faith ever justified?
  • How do you show respect in debate?

Another view

It assumes a divine presence that not all share.

More from Robert Burns

  1. I waive the quantum o' the sin, The hazard of concealing: But, och! it hardens a' within, And petrifies the feeling!

    Permalink to quote #20
  2. There's nought but care on ev'ry han', In every hour that passes, O: What signifies the life o' man, An' then she made the lasses, O.

    Permalink to quote #22
  3. Perhaps it may turn out a sang, Perhaps turn out a sermon.

    Permalink to quote #19

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