--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: But as men farther exalt their idea of…" description: "\"“But as men farther exalt their idea of their divinity, it is their notion of his power and knowledge only, not of his goodness, which is improved. On ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cac/christopher-hitchens-117_religion_but-as-men-farther-exalt-their-idea-of-t_2589042.jpg" --- # But as men farther exalt their idea of their divinity, it… ![“But as men farther exalt their idea of their divinity, it is their notion of his power and knowledge only, not of his goodness, which is improved. On the contrary, in proportion to the supposed extent of his science and authority, their terrors naturally augment; while they believe, that no…” quote by Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cac/christopher-hitchens-117_religion_but-as-men-farther-exalt-their-idea-of-t_2589042.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cac/christopher-hitchens-117_religion_but-as-men-farther-exalt-their-idea-of-t_2589042.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cac/christopher-hitchens-117_religion_but-as-men-farther-exalt-their-idea-of-t_2589042.jpg) > ““But as men farther exalt their idea of their divinity, it is their notion of his power and knowledge only, not of his goodness, which is improved. On the contrary, in proportion to the supposed extent of his science and authority, their terrors naturally augment; while they believe, that no secrecy can conceal them from his scrutiny, and that even the inmost recesses of their breast lie open before him. They must then be careful not to form expressly any sentiment of blame and disapprobation. All must be applause, ravishment, extacy. And while their gloomy apprehensions make them ascribe to him measures of conduct, which, in human creatures, would be highly blamed, they must still affect to praise and admire that conduct in the object of their devotional addresses. Thus it may safely be affirmed, that popular religions are really, in the conception of their more vulgar votaries, a species of dæmonism; and the higher the deity is exalted in power and knowledge, the lower of course is he depressed in goodness and benevolence; whatever epithets of praise may be bestowed on him by his amazed adorers. Among idolaters, the words may be false, and belie the secret opinion: But among more exalted religionists, the opinion itself contracts a kind of falsehood, and belies the inward sentiment. The heart secretly detests such measures of cruel and implacable vengeance; but the judgment dares not but pronounce them perfect and adorable. And the additional misery of this inward struggle aggravates all the other terrors, by which these unhappy victims to superstition are forever haunted.”” [Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-hitchens/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The more people imagine a deity as all‑powerful and all‑knowing, the more they fear divine judgment and suppress criticism, turning worship into a form of self‑inflicted terror. **In simple terms:** Powerful gods create fear and false praise. Key Takeaway Question authority that demands fear. Themes religion power fear psychology hypocrisy Mood anxious critical reflective Type philosophical critical analytical When to use this quote - personal prayer - public worship - political rhetoric - ethical decision‑making Key Concepts divine omniscience cognitive dissonance moral paradox Questions to Reflect On - How does fear shape your spiritual beliefs? - Can reverence exist without intimidation? 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And while their gloomy apprehensions make them ascribe to him measures of conduct, which, in human creatures, would be highly blamed, they must still affect to praise and admire that conduct in the object of their devotional addresses. Thus it may safely be affirmed, that popular religions are really, in the conception of their more vulgar votaries, a species of dæmonism; and the higher the deity is exalted in power and knowledge, the lower of course is he depressed in goodness and benevolence; whatever epithets of praise may be bestowed on him by his amazed adorers. Among idolaters, the words may be false, and belie the secret opinion: But among more exalted religionists, the opinion itself contracts a kind of falsehood, and belies the inward sentiment. The heart secretly detests such measures of cruel and implacable vengeance; but the judgment dares not but pronounce them perfect and adorable. 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