I know of no crime that has not been defended by the…
“I know of no crime that has not been defended by the church, in one form or other. The church is not a pioneer; it accepts a new truth, last of all, and only when denial has become useless.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He argues that the church often defends wrongdoing, adapting its stance when denial no longer works.
In simple terms: Church often protects wrongdoing when forced.
Key Takeaway
Question institutional motives.
Themes
critique
religion
morality
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- legal debates
- religious reforms
- public policy
Key Concepts
institutional adaptation
ethical hypocrisy
Questions to Reflect On
- Can institutions change without external pressure?
- What drives moral shifts?
A Different Perspective
Not all religious actions are defensive; many are proactive.