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About this quote

What does it mean?
Voltaire attributes atheism to the corrupt behavior of religious institutions rather than lack of faith.
In plain terms
Bad behavior from the church pushes people away from faith.
What can you take from it?
Institutions lose credibility when they act poorly.

Where it applies

  • critiquing churches
  • explaining atheism
  • debating religion

Putting it to work

  • hold institutions accountable
  • rebuild trust

Questions to consider

  • What drives people from faith?
  • Who holds institutions accountable?

Another view

Not all atheism stems from religious misconduct.

More from Voltaire

  1. If you see a Swiss banker jumping out of a window, follow him, there is sure to be 10% profit in it.

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  2. Marriage is the only adventure open to the cowardly.

    Permalink to quote #85
  3. I was only abused by lawyers twice in my life - once when I was sued by one and once when I hired one.

    Permalink to quote #82

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