The penalty for apostasy is death. We would do well to linger over this fact for a moment, because it is the black pearl of intolerance that no liberal exegesis will ever fully digest.[2]
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The death penalty for apostasy represents extreme intolerance that liberal interpretations cannot fully reconcile.
- In plain terms
- Killing people for leaving their faith is a clear sign of intolerance that cannot be easily explained away.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize extreme religious punishments as intolerant regardless of theological justification.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How should societies handle beliefs that contradict human rights?
- Can liberal interpretations ever fully justify severe punishments?
Another view
The quote assumes a specific definition of apostasy that varies across different religious traditions.
More from Sam Harris
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