Be good Quote by Bertrand Russell
“Broadly speaking, Protestants like to be good and have invented theology in order to keep themselves so, whereas Catholics like to be bad and have invented theology in order to keep their neighbors good. Hence, the social character of Catholicism and the individual character of Protestantism.”
About This Quote
Protestants create theology to maintain personal virtue; Catholics create theology to control others, reflecting differing social characters.
In simple terms: Protestants focus on self‑goodness, Catholics on influencing neighbors.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how belief systems shape social behavior.
Themes
religion
philosophy
social dynamics
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
theoretical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- debates on faith
- examining moral motivations
- studying religious history
Key Concepts
theology
individualism
collectivism
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the limits of such binary characterizations?
- How do individual believers differ from these stereotypes?
A Different Perspective
Oversimplifies complex religious traditions.
![“[I]t seemed to me now that a Catholic church was the right companion for all these horrors. Didn't Catholicism deal with blood and resurrected flesh on a daily basis? Wasn't it expert in superstition? I somehow doubted that the hospitable plain Protestant chapels that dotted the university could…” quote by Elizabeth Kostova](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3ff/elizabeth-kostova-6991_catholicism_i-t-seemed-to-me-now-that-a-catholic-chu_1290530.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)
