First, because it’s based on a fantastic illusion. Let’s…
““First, because it’s based on a fantastic illusion. Let’s say that the consensus is that our species, we being the higher primates, Homo sapiens, has been on the planet for at least 100,000 years, maybe more. Francis Collins says it may be 100,000; Richard Dawkins thinks maybe quarter of a million. I’ll take 100,000. In order to be Christian you have to believe that for 98,000 years our species suffered and died, most of its children dying in childbirth, most other people having a life expectancy of about 25, dying of their teeth, famine, struggle, indigenous war, suffering, misery, all of that. For 98,000 heaven watches it with complete indifference and then 2,000 years ago thinks, “That’s enough of that—it’s time to intervene. The best way to do this would be by condemning someone to a human sacrifice somewhere in the less literate parts of the Middle East. Don’t let’s appear to the Chinese, for example, where people can read and study evidence and have a civilization, let’s go the desert and have another revelation there.” This is nonsense. It can’t be believed by a thinking person.” —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 critiques the historical improbability of Christianity and the moral absurdity of using ancient suffering to justify modern intervention, arguing that rational people cannot accept such narratives.
In simple terms: Religion's origins are questioned and ancient suffering used to justify modern actions is absurd.
Key Takeaway
Question belief systems with evidence and compassion.
Themes
religion
history
morality
skepticism
belief
myths
Mood
skeptical
critical
thoughtful
Type
religion:0
Middle east:0
Years ago:0
Richard Dawkins:0
Christopher Hitchens:1
000 Years:0
Christian Believe:0
Evidence Civilization:0
Dawkins Thinks:0
Revelation Nonsense:1
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- public discourse
- personal belief formation
Key Concepts
anthropology
theology
ethics
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance faith with historical evidence?
- Can moral judgments be made without religious frameworks?
A Different Perspective
The argument may oversimplify complex historical and theological scholarship.