Animal Quote by Baron d'Holbach
“The Jehovah of the Jews is a suspicious tyrant, who breathes nothing but blood, murder, and carnage, and who demands that they should nourish him with the vapours of animals. The Jupiter of the Pagans is a lascivious monster. The Moloch of the Phoenicians is a cannibal. The pure mind of the Christians resolved, in order to appease his fury, to crucify his own son. The savage god of the Mexicans cannot be satisfied without thousands of mortals which are immolated to his sanguinary appetite.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: System of Nature, 1755
The quote critiques various deities as embodying violent, oppressive, and immoral traits, suggesting religious worship is rooted in fear and sacrifice.
In simple terms: Religions are portrayed as violent and demanding.
Key Takeaway
Question the moral foundations of worship.
Themes
religion
criticism
mythology
Mood
critical
provocative
Type
philosophical
controversial
When to use this quote
- historical analysis
- comparative religion
- ethical debate
Key Concepts
theology
power
violence
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this say about human nature’s need for deity?
- Can morality exist without religion?
A Different Perspective
Religion can also provide community and moral guidance.
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