There now remain only a few books, which they call books…
““There now remain only a few books, which they call books of the lesser prophets; and as I have already shown that the greater are impostors, it would be cowardice to disturb the repose of the little ones. Let them sleep, then, in the arms of their nurses, the priests, and both be forgotten together. I have now gone through the Bible, as a man would go through a wood with an axe on his shoulder, and fell trees. Here they lie; and the priests, if they can, may replant them. They may, perhaps, stick them in the ground, but they will never make them grow .””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Paing argues that most religious texts are outdated and harmful, urging dismissal rather than reverence.
In simple terms: Old religious texts are harmful and should be ignored.
Key Takeaway
Question old doctrines, seek reason.
Themes
religion
skepticism
authority
reformation
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- personal study
- public debate
- educational curricula
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
iconoclasm
critical inquiry
historical analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- What role should tradition play in modern belief?
- How can we balance critique with respect?
A Different Perspective
Dismissal may overlook valuable moral teachings within texts.