Convert Quote by Daniel Everett
“It's wrong to try and convert tribal societies. What should the empirical evidence for religion be? It should produce peaceful, strong, secure people who are right with God and right with the world. I don't see that evidence very often.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Linguist Daniel Everett discussing missionary work
The claim argues that religious conversion should be judged by tangible societal benefits, not just doctrine.
In simple terms: Religion should create peace and security, not just belief.
Key Takeaway
Measure religion by its outcomes, not intentions.
Themes
ethics
religion
societal impact
evidence
missionary work
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
debate
When to use this quote
- policy making
- community development
- interfaith dialogue
- humanitarian aid
Key Concepts
social science
human rights
cultural integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- What metrics best capture religion's societal effects?
- Can conversion be ethical if outcomes are mixed?
A Different Perspective
Evidence of positive impact is hard to isolate from other factors.
