--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There is, in Dr. Tillotson’s writings, an…" description: "\"“There is, in Dr. Tillotson’s writings, an argument against the real presence, which is as concise, and elegant, and strong as any argument can possibl..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/33f/christopher-hitchens-117_bible_there-is-in-dr-tillotson-s-writings-an-a_3154287.jpg" --- # There is, in Dr. Tillotson’s writings, an argument against… ![“There is, in Dr. Tillotson’s writings, an argument against the real presence, which is as concise, and elegant, and strong as any argument can possibly be supposed against a doctrine, so little worthy of a serious refutation. It is acknowledged on all hands, says that learned prelate, that the…” quote by Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/33f/christopher-hitchens-117_bible_there-is-in-dr-tillotson-s-writings-an-a_3154287.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/33f/christopher-hitchens-117_bible_there-is-in-dr-tillotson-s-writings-an-a_3154287.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/33f/christopher-hitchens-117_bible_there-is-in-dr-tillotson-s-writings-an-a_3154287.jpg) > ““There is, in Dr. Tillotson’s writings, an argument against the real presence, which is as concise, and elegant, and strong as any argument can possibly be supposed against a doctrine, so little worthy of a serious refutation. It is acknowledged on all hands, says that learned prelate, that the authority, either of the scripture or of tradition, is founded merely in the testimony of the Apostles, who were eyewitnesses to those miracles of our Saviour, by which he proved his divine mission. Our evidence, then, for the truth of the Christian religion is less than the evidence for the truth of our senses; because, even in the first authors of our religion, it was no greater; and it is evident it must diminish in passing from them to their disciples; nor can any one rest such confidence in their testimony, as in the immediate object of his senses. But a weaker evidence can never destroy a stronger; and therefore, were the doctrine of the real presence ever so clearly revealed in scripture, it were directly contrary to the rules of just reasoning to give our assent to it. It contradicts sense, though both the scripture and tradition, on which it is supposed to be built, carry not such evidence with them as sense; when they are considered merely as external evidences, and are not brought home to every one’s breast, by the immediate operation of the Holy Spirit.”” [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 argument claims that evidence for Christian doctrine is weaker than sensory evidence, making belief in the real presence unreasonable. **In simple terms:** Religious belief is less supported than what we see. Key Takeaway Question the strength of faith‑based claims. Themes faith reason evidence theology skepticism Mood critical skeptical analytical Type philosophical argumentative When to use this quote - debates on doctrine - personal belief crises - academic theology - interfaith dialogues Key Concepts empiricism apologetics epistemology Questions to Reflect On - What evidence would change your view? - How do you balance tradition and reason? 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Our evidence, then, for the truth of the Christian religion is less than the evidence for the truth of our senses; because, even in the first authors of our religion, it was no greater; and it is evident it must diminish in passing from them to their disciples; nor can any one rest such confidence in their testimony, as in the immediate object of his senses. But a weaker evidence can never destroy a stronger; and therefore, were the doctrine of the real presence ever so clearly revealed in scripture, it were directly contrary to the rules of just reasoning to give our assent to it. 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