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The law of the church has created neither the purity nor the peace of domestic life. Back of all churches is human affection. Back of all theologies is the love of the human heart. Back of all your priests and creeds is the adoration of the one woman by the one man, and of the one man by the one woman. Back of your faith is the fireside; back of your folly is the family; and back of all your holy mistakes and your sacred absurdities is the love of husband and wife, of parent and child.

Robert G. Ingersoll#199

ReligionLoveFamilyMarriage

About this quote

What does it mean?
Human love and family bonds are the true foundation of domestic life, not religious institutions or laws.
In plain terms
Love and family matter more than church laws.
What can you take from it?
Human love underpins family life.

Where it applies

  • discussing marriage
  • critiquing religious influence

Putting it to work

  • valuing relationships
  • prioritizing intimacy

Questions to consider

  • What supports a happy home?
  • Does religion enhance or replace human love?

Another view

It undervalues the role of spiritual practice in some families.

More from Robert G. Ingersoll

  1. The inspiration of the Bible depends upon the ignorance of the gentleman who reads it.

    Permalink to quote #198
  2. The man who accepts opinions because they have been entertained by distinguished people, is a mental snob.

    Permalink to quote #200
  3. The hands that help are far better than the lips that pray.

    Permalink to quote #197

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