Each nation has created a god, and the god has always resembled his creators. He hated and loved what they hated and loved, and he invariably found on the side of those in power. Each god was intensely patriotic, and detested all nations but his own.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Nations create gods in their own image, who always support the powerful. This reflects human patriotism and bias rather than divine reality.
- In plain terms
- People create gods that look like them and support their nation.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize that gods often reflect human bias and power.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you shape your concept of God?
- Why does religion favor power?
Another view
Not all religious traditions align with national power structures.
More from Robert G. Ingersoll
Each is entitled to the honest opinion of all.
Permalink to quote #99 Each soul is crowned. Each soul wears the purple and the tiara; and only those are good citizens of the intellectual world who give to every other human being …
Permalink to quote #101 Does belief depend upon evidence? I think it does somewhat in some cases. How is it when a jury is sworn to try a case, hearing all the evidence, hearing both …
Permalink to quote #98
Related quotes
Mortals deem that the gods are begotten as they are, and have clothes like theirs, and voice and form.
XenophanesXenophanes quote #2 'Indeed all people of this country owe a vote of gratitude to the church for what it has done to this country in the course of our civilisation. I urge us to r…
Josefa VosanibolaJosefa Vosanibola quote #4 Everyone thinks of God as a man - you can't help it - Santa Claus was a man, therefore God has to be a man.
Patti SmithPatti Smith quote #5