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According to the theologians, God, the Father of us all, wrote a letter to his children. The children have always differed somewhat as to the meaning of this letter. In consequence of these honest differences, these brothers began to cut out each other's hearts. In every land, where this letter from God has been read, the children to whom and for whom it was written have been filled with hatred and malice. They have imprisoned and murdered each other, and the wives and children of each other. In the name of God every possible crime has been committed, every conceivable outrage has been perpetrated. Brave men, tender and loving women, beautiful girls, and prattling babes have been exterminated in the name of Jesus Christ.

Robert G. Ingersoll#28

ReligionFaithHistoryDogmaViolenceHatred

About this quote

What does it mean?
Religious differences over divine messages have led to hatred, murder, and crime committed in the name of God and Jesus.
In plain terms
People have killed each other in the name of God because they interpret the Bible differently.
What can you take from it?
Religious division often leads to violence and hatred.

Where it applies

  • religious conflict
  • interfaith dialogue
  • history

Putting it to work

  • question religious authority
  • promote tolerance

Questions to consider

  • How has religion been used to justify harm?
  • What stops religious violence?

Another view

Many people practice religion peacefully without violence.

More from Robert G. Ingersoll

  1. Every church pretends that it has a revelation from God, and that this revelation must be given to the people through the church; that the church acts through …

    Permalink to quote #27
  2. I do not say, and I do not believe, that Christians are as bad as their creeds. In spite of church and dogma, there have been millions and millions of men and …

    Permalink to quote #29
  3. Give any orthodox church the power, and to-day they would punish heresy with whip, and chain, and fire. As long as a church deems a certain belief essential to…

    Permalink to quote #26

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