Asked Quote by Annie Dillard
“An Inuit hunter asked the local missionary priest: If I did not know about God and sin, would I go to hell? No, said the priest, not if you did not know. Then why, asked the Inuit earnestly, did you tell me?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The River of Life”, 1995
A missionary’s claim that ignorance of sin excuses hell‑bound fate is challenged, exposing contradictions in doctrine and belief.
In simple terms: Ignorance doesn’t excuse divine judgment.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about faith and morality.
Themes
faith
ethics
knowledge
Mood
reflective
provocative
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- interfaith dialogue
- education
- personal belief systems
- missionary work
Key Concepts
theology
moral responsibility
religious doctrine
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you think ignorance is a valid excuse?
- How should faith address unknowns?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex theology.
