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For a long time on Earth humans didn't worship good gods…

“For a long time on Earth humans didn't worship good gods; that's a new idea. The ancient Greek gods, the Hindu gods, are fairly amoral, most of them. We get stuck when we insist that God be both good and all-powerful.” quote by Barbara Ehrenreich
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“For a long time on Earth humans didn't worship good gods; that's a new idea. The ancient Greek gods, the Hindu gods, are fairly amoral, most of them. We get stuck when we insist that God be both good and all-powerful.”

Barbara Ehrenreich

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

It argues that ancient deities were not moral exemplars and that the modern concept of a benevolent, omnipotent God is a recent development.

In simple terms: Old gods were amoral; modern God is good and all-powerful.

Key Takeaway

Question assumptions about divine morality.

Themes

theology philosophy history religion

Mood

inquisitive reflective

Type

philosophical theological

When to use this quote

  • Debates on divine nature
  • comparative religion studies

Key Concepts

ancient religions modern faith ethical frameworks

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does "good" mean for a deity?
  • How do cultural contexts shape divine attributes?
A Different Perspective

The claim oversimplifies diverse ancient beliefs.

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