If a man really believes that God once upheld slavery; that he commanded soldiers to kill women and babes; that he believed in polygamy; that he persecuted for opinion's sake; that he will punish forever, and that he hates an unbeliever, the effect in my judgment will be bad. It always has been bad. This belief built the dungeons of the Inquisition. This belief made the Puritan murder the Quaker.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Ingersoll argues that believing in a cruel or unjust god creates harmful social consequences.
- In plain terms
- Believing in a cruel god leads to bad actions.
- What can you take from it?
- Question beliefs that depict God as cruel.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What kind of God do you believe in?
- How do beliefs affect actions?
Another view
Some find meaning in suffering or divine punishment.
More from Robert G. Ingersoll
I would not know a god if I should see one.
Permalink to quote #142 If I had my way I'd make health catching instead of disease.
Permalink to quote #144 I will never desert the one I love for the promise of any god.
Permalink to quote #141
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