Those who in the name of Faith embrace illusion, kill and…
““Those who in the name of Faith embrace illusion, kill and are killed. Even the atheist gets God's blessings- Does not boast of his religion; With reverence he lights the lamp of Reason And pays his homage not to scriptures, But to the good in man. The bigot insults his own religion When he slays a man of another faith. Conduct he judges not in the light of Reason; In the temple he raises the blood-stained banner And worships the devil in the name of God. All that is shameful and barbarous through the Ages, Has found a shelter in their temples- Those they turn into prisons; O, I hear the trumpet call of Destruction! Time comes with her great broom Sweeping all refuse away. That which should make man free, They turn into fetters; That which should unite, They turn into sword; That which should bring love From the fountain of the Eternal, They turn into prison And with its waves they flood the world. They try to cross the river In a bark riddled with holes; And yet, in their anguish, whom do they blame? O Lord, breaking false religion, Save the blind! Break! O break The alter that is drowned in blood. Let your thunder strike Into the prison of false religion, And bring to this unhappy land The light of Knowledge.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Blind faith and religious dogma lead to violence and oppression, while reason and humanity should guide moral conduct;
In simple terms: Blind faith breeds violence; reason fosters humanity.
Prioritize reason over dogma.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- activism
- education
- interfaith dialogue
- policy making
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can reason replace harmful doctrines?
- What role does compassion play?
Dogma can be deeply entrenched.