Atheism Quote by George H. Smith
“Christianity cannot erase man's need for pleasure, nor can it eradicate the various sources of pleasure. What it can do, however, and what it has been extremely effective in accomplishing, is to inculcate guilt in connection with pleasure. The pursuit of pleasure, when accompanied by guilt, becomes a means of perpetuating chronic guilt, and this serves to reinforce one's dependence on God.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Moral Case for Capitalism, George H. Smith, 2007
The quote argues that Christianity often ties pleasure to guilt, creating a cycle that reinforces reliance on divine authority.
In simple terms: Christianity links pleasure with guilt, fostering dependence on God.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and separate guilt from healthy pleasure.
Themes
religion
pleasure
guilt
dependence
Mood
conflicted
thoughtful
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- marriage counseling
- personal relationships
- spiritual practice
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
theology
psychology
behavioral conditioning
Questions to Reflect On
- How does guilt influence your enjoyment of life?
- Can you experience pleasure without religious framing?
A Different Perspective
Not all religious experiences impose guilt; many find joy without it.
![“Never forget that when we are dealing with any pleasure in its healthy and normal and satisfying form, we are, in a sense, on the Enemy’s (God’s) ground…He [God] made the pleasure: all our research so far has not enabled us to produce one. All we can do is to encourage the humans to take the…” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/183/anonymous-1_degrees_never-forget-that-when-we-are-dealing-wi_2516823.jpg)
![“The negative way [of describing God] is a cardboard prop of Christianity to conceal its unknowable God. When this prop collapses, theistic agnosticism emerges, complete with its package of contradictions and non-sensical utterances.” quote by George H. Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/86f/george-h-smith-20207_agnosticism_the-negative-way-of-describing-god-is-a_433133.jpg)
