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The liberality of the age, or in other words the weakening…

“The liberality of the age, or in other words the weakening of the obstinate prejudice, which makes men unable to see what is before their eyes because it is contrary to their expectations, has caused it to be very commonly admitted that a Deist may be truly religious: but if religion stands for…” quote by Christopher Hitchens
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““The liberality of the age, or in other words the weakening of the obstinate prejudice, which makes men unable to see what is before their eyes because it is contrary to their expectations, has caused it to be very commonly admitted that a Deist may be truly religious: but if religion stands for any graces of character and not for mere dogma, the assertion may equally be made of many whose belief is far short of Deism.””

Christopher Hitchens

About This Quote

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

The quote argues that deism is often seen as religious because it avoids dogma, yet true religion is about moral character, not belief labels.

In simple terms: Deism is accepted as religious, but real religion is moral character.

Key Takeaway

Focus on character over creed.

Themes

religion morality skepticism deism prejudice

Mood

thoughtful critical reflective

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • interfaith dialogue
  • education
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

philosophy ethics critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you define religiousness beyond belief?
  • Can moral character exist without religious framework?
A Different Perspective

It may oversimplify complex theological positions.

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