I had gradually come, by this time [1839-01], to see that…
![“I had gradually come, by this time [1839-01], to see that the Old Testament from its manifestly false history of the world, with the Tower of Babel, the rainbow as a sign, etc., etc. and from its attributing to God the feelings of a revengeful tyrant, was no more to be trusted than the sacred…” quote by Charles Darwin](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/00a/charles-darwin-507_babel_i-had-gradually-come-by-this-time-1839-0_1785401.jpg)
“I had gradually come, by this time [1839-01], to see that the Old Testament from its manifestly false history of the world, with the Tower of Babel, the rainbow as a sign, etc., etc. and from its attributing to God the feelings of a revengeful tyrant, was no more to be trusted than the sacred books of the Hindoos, or the beliefs of any barbarian.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Darwin critiques the Old Testament’s historical claims and moral character, deeming it unreliable like other ancient texts.
In simple terms: He sees the Old Testament as historically false and morally questionable.
Key Takeaway
Question traditional religious authority.
Themes
skepticism
religion
history
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- theological study
- personal belief
- cultural analysis
Key Concepts
Biblical criticism
mythology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile faith with historical criticism?
- What role should ancient texts play in modern morality?
A Different Perspective
Religious faith may conflict with empirical evidence.