Body Quote by Emma Goldman
“Everywhere and always, since its very inception, Christianity has turned the earth into a vale of tears; always it has made of life a weak, diseased thing, always it has instilled fear in man, turning him into a dual being, whose life energies are spent in the struggle between body and soul. In decrying the body as something evil, the flesh as the tempter to everything that is sinful, man has mutilated his being in the vain attempt to keep his soul pure, while his body rotted away from the injuries and tortures inflicted upon it.”
About This Quote
A critique that Christianity has historically portrayed life as suffering, instilling fear, and creating a conflict between body and soul, leading to self-mutilation in pursuit of purity.
In simple terms: Christianity is shown as making life seem painful and split between body and soul.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the harm of dualistic thinking.
Themes
religion
philosophy
body-soul conflict
human suffering
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- mental health
- spiritual practice
- social critique
Key Concepts
dualism
spirituality
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view affect your own spirituality?
- Can you find a balanced view of body and soul?
A Different Perspective
May generalize or ignore positive aspects of faith.
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