A few years ago the Deists denied the inspiration of the…
“A few years ago the Deists denied the inspiration of the Bible on account of its cruelty. At the same time they worshiped what they were pleased to call the God of Nature. Now we are convinced that Nature is as cruel as the Bible; so that, if the God of Nature did not write the Bible, this God at least has caused earthquakes and pestilence and famine, and this God has allowed millions of his children to destroy one another. So that now we have arrived at the question - not as to whether the Bible is inspired and not as to whether Jehovah is the real God, but whether there is a God or not.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage argues that both the Bible and nature exhibit cruelty, leading to doubt about any divine benevolence and questioning the existence of God altogether.
In simple terms: Both the Bible and nature seem cruel, prompting skepticism about God.
Key Takeaway
Consider the evidence of suffering when evaluating belief.
Themes
theity
philosophy
theology
skepticism
Mood
reflective
questioning
critical
Type
philosophical
skeptical
theological
When to use this quote
- Historical religious debates
- personal crisis of faith
- ethical discussions on suffering
Key Concepts
Divine problem
natural evil
existential doubt
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would convince you of a benevolent deity?
- How do you reconcile suffering with belief in a higher power?
A Different Perspective
The argument may overlook positive aspects of nature and human compassion that suggest a more nuanced view.