Christianity Quote by Christopher Hitchens
““Our primeval ancestors were by no means atheistic: they raised temples and altars and offered the requisite terrified obsequies and sacrifices. Their religion was man-made, like all the others. There was a time when Greek thinkers denounced Christians and Zoroastrians denounced Muslims as “atheists” for their destruction of old sites and their prohibition of ancient rituals. The source of desecration and profanity is religious, as we can see from the way that today’s believers violate the sanctity of each other’s temples, from Bamiyan to Belfast to Baghdad.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: God Is Not Great, 2007
Human religious practice historically involved ritual and temple building, but it also leads to destruction of other faiths' sites when believers deem them profane.
In simple terms: Religion can both create and destroy sacred spaces.
Key Takeaway
Respect all traditions, avoid desecration.
Themes
religion
conflict
history
culture
heritage
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- archaeology
- interfaith dialogue
- political policy
- community building
- media reporting
Key Concepts
iconoclasm
interfaith relations
cultural preservation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies protect diverse heritage?
- What responsibilities do believers have toward others' sacred sites?
A Different Perspective
Religious zeal can justify violence against other faiths.
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