Appeals Quote by Christopher Hitchens
“Even the most humane and compassionate of the monotheisms and polytheisms are complicit in this quiet and irrational authoritarianism: they proclaim us, in Fulke Greville's unforgettable line, "Created sick Commanded to be well." And there are totalitarian insinuations to back this up if its appeal should fail.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: God Is Not Great, Christopher Hitchens, 2007
The quote critiques how religions, despite claims of compassion, can support oppressive authority by framing human suffering as divinely ordained.
In simple terms: Religions may hide authoritarian control behind compassion.
Key Takeaway
Question how compassion is used to justify power.
Themes
religion
authoritarianism
compassion
critique
power
Mood
critical
skeptical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- religious education
- activism
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
theodicy
social control
moral authority
Questions to Reflect On
- Can compassion exist without authoritarian overtones?
- How do we separate genuine care from control?
A Different Perspective
Religions also inspire genuine altruism and community support.
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