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 sides, hearing the charge of the judge, hearing the law, are upon their oaths equally divided, six for the plaintiff and six for the defendant? Evidence does not have the same effect upon all people. Why? Our brains are not alike. They are not the same shape. We have not the same intelligence, or the same experience, the same sense. And yet I am held accountable for my belief. I must believe in the Trinity - three times one is one, once one is three, and my soul is to be eternally damned for failing to guess an arithmetical conundrum. That is the poison part of Christianity - that salvation depends upon belief. That is the accursed part, and until that dogma is discarded Christianity will be nothing but superstition.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Ingersoll argues that belief varies by individual capacity and that punishing belief failure is unjust.
- In plain terms
- Brains differ, so evidence affects people differently; punishing belief is unfair.
- What can you take from it?
- Belief should not be a condition for salvation or punishment.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Should belief be voluntary or enforced?
- Is salvation based on reasoning sound?
Another view
The quote conflates scientific reasoning with theological doctrine.
More from Robert G. Ingersoll
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