Bits Quote by Daniel Dennett
“After Darwin, God's role changes from being the designer of all creatures great and small to being the designer of the laws of nature, from which natural selection can unfold, to being perhaps just the chooser of the laws. By the time God's role has been so diminished, he becomes a bit like a constitutional monarch, presiding ceremonially but not having any more work to do. That's a place for God if it makes people comfortable to keep God as the presider over the universe. I suppose that is satisfying for many.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Darwin's God? by John H. Walton, 2005
God's role shifts from creator to law-giver, akin to a ceremonial monarch, offering comfort without active intervention.
In simple terms: God becomes a symbolic overseer rather than an active creator.
Key Takeaway
Accept symbolic comfort, focus on natural laws.
Themes
theology
philosophy
science
comfort
authority
Mood
contemplative
neutral
Type
theoretical
reflective
When to use this quote
- Personal belief
- public discourse
- ethical discussions
Key Concepts
Deism
natural law
symbolic authority
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a symbolic God affect moral behavior?
- Is comfort enough justification for belief?
A Different Perspective
Critics argue this view may diminish moral accountability.
![“Brad [Dourif] would tell himself that he was not intentionally trying to mimic Jack Nicholson in any way. I think that actually bothers him a little bit. I just think maybe they have similar voices.” quote by David Kirschner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cfe/david-kirschner-22403_bits_brad-dourif-would-tell-himself-that-he-w_478.jpg)
