Irreligious Quote by Christopher Hitchens
““The basis of irreligious criticism is: Man makes religion, religion does not make man. In other words, religion is the self-consciousness and self-feeling of man who has either not yet found himself or has already lost himself again.””
About This Quote
Religion reflects human self‑image, not the reverse; it can obscure authentic self‑knowledge.
In simple terms: Religion mirrors humanity.
Key Takeaway
Seek self‑understanding beyond doctrine.
Themes
identity
faith
self‑knowledge
critique
Mood
critical
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
skeptical
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- academic study
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
existentialism
secularism
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What does religion mean to you?
- How do you define self beyond belief?
A Different Perspective
Critics may overlook positive community aspects.
![“There is a need for the ‘relative religion’. It is needed for the purpose of [spiritual] development, until the “Real” [religion of the Self] is attained. [Until then] The intellect increases as one gets beaten and bashed around (suffers), and as the intellect increases, the inner burning and…” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/deb/dada-bhagwan-31_freedom_there-is-a-need-for-the-relative-religio_1563128.jpg)
![“Religion of the Self [Soul] is that where no difficulty or trouble arises for anyone or any living being of ‘our’ own accord.” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ca8/dada-bhagwan-31_identity_religion-of-the-self-soul-is-that-where_3109508.jpg)
![“For whom is the religion of the Self [Atma Dharm] for? It is for the one who is not blinded or dazzled by anyone. Why should one fear anyone? If one is afraid of anyone, he is considered to be blinded.” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e2f/dada-bhagwan-31_buddhism_for-whom-is-the-religion-of-the-self-atm_736355.jpg)
![“It's [Los Angeles] mostly full of nonsense and delusion and egomania. They think they'll be young and beautiful forever, even though most of them aren't even young and beautiful now.” quote by Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a86/christopher-hitchens-117_beautiful_it-s-los-angeles-mostly-full-of-nonsense_10462.jpg)
![“[Religion] attacks us in our deepest integrity - the core of our self-respect. Religion says that we would not know right from wrong, we would not know an evil, wicked act from a decent human act without divine permission, without divine authority or without, even worse, either the fear of a…” quote by Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ab6/christopher-hitchens-117_action_religion-attacks-us-in-our-deepest-integ_23299.jpg)
