Unbelief is nearly supreme in the world to-day. Were an…
““Unbelief is nearly supreme in the world to-day. Were an angel to descend from heaven in the middle of a great square, the crowd would think he had got himself up on pulleys and wires, and would try to discover his apparatus. Were he, in wrath, to cast destruction upon them, and with fire blazing from his wings, slay a thousand of them with the mere shaking of a pinion, those who were left alive would either say that a tremendous dynamite explosion had occurred, or that the square was built on an extinct volcano which had suddenly broken out into frightful activity. Anything rather than believe in angels — the nineteenth century protests against the possibility of their existence.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human skepticism leads to reinterpretation of extraordinary events as natural phenomena, reflecting fear of the unknown.
In simple terms: People rationalize miracles as science.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions when faced with the unprecedented.
Themes
skepticism
faith
interpretation
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- religious debate
- scientific discovery
- media literacy
Key Concepts
psychology
mythology
culture
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance belief and doubt?
- What influences your acceptance of the extraordinary?
A Different Perspective
The passage may exaggerate disbelief for dramatic effect.