Attorney general Quote by Christopher Hitchens
““Well, I was able to write in further reply to Dennis Prager, now you have your answer. The nineteen suicide murderers of New York and Washington and Pennsylvania were beyond any doubt the most sincere believers on those planes. Perhaps we can hear a little less about how "people of faith" possess moral advantages that others can only envy. And what is to be learned from the jubilation and the ecstatic propaganda with which this great feat of fidelity has been greeted in the Islamic world? At the time, the United States has an attorney general named John Ashcroft, who had stated that America had "no king but Jesus" (a claim that was exactly two words too long). It had a president who wanted to hand over the care of the poor to "faith based" institutions. Might this not be a moment where the light of reason, and the defense of a society that separated church and state and valued free expression and free inquiry, be granted a point or two?””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public debate on religion and politics, early 2000s
The speaker argues that religious extremism and faith‑based politics can undermine reason and free inquiry, urging separation of church and state.
In simple terms: Faith‑based politics can threaten reason and liberty.
Defend secularism and critical thinking.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- public debate
- policy making
- media commentary
- academic discussion
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance religious freedom with secular governance?
- What role should reason play in public policy?
Religious communities may view faith as a source of moral guidance.