While the stoning of children for heresy has fallen out of…
![“While the stoning of children for heresy has fallen out of fashion in our country, you will not hear a moderate Christian or Jew arguing for a “symbolic” reading of passages of this sort. [...] it is only by ignoring such barbarisms that the Good Book can be reconciled with life in the modern…” quote by Sam Harris](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/bb0/sam-harris-457_books_while-the-stoning-of-children-for-heresy_2759830.jpg)
““While the stoning of children for heresy has fallen out of fashion in our country, you will not hear a moderate Christian or Jew arguing for a “symbolic” reading of passages of this sort. [...] it is only by ignoring such barbarisms that the Good Book can be reconciled with life in the modern world. This is a problem for “moderation” in religion: it has nothing underwriting it other than the unacknowledged neglect of the letter of the divine law.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Moderate religious readers avoid confronting literal interpretations of violent texts, ignoring their moral implications.
In simple terms: Religions often dodge harsh scriptural truths.
Key Takeaway
Confront literal meanings.
Themes
religion
moderation
interpretation
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- theological study
- interfaith dialogue
- education
Key Concepts
ethics
scripture
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How to balance tradition with modern ethics?
- Can symbols replace literal truth?
A Different Perspective
Some argue symbolic readings preserve faith harmony.