Atheism Quote by George H. Smith
“Through inculcating the notion that sacrifice is a virtue, Christianity has succeeded in convincing many people that misery incurred through sacrifice is a mark of virtue. Pain becomes the inignia of morality - and conversely, pleasure becomes the insignia of immorality. Christianity, therefore, does not say, "Go forth and be miserable." Rather, it says, "Go forth and practice the virtue of self-sacrifice." In practical terms, these commands are identical.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Moral Landscape of Religion, 1995
Christianity frames sacrifice as moral virtue, equating suffering with righteousness and pleasure with vice.
In simple terms: Sacrifice is seen as moral virtue.
Key Takeaway
Question the link between suffering and virtue.
Themes
religion
morality
critique
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
skeptical
When to use this quote
- moral decision‑making
- spiritual practice
- social activism
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
theology
cultural critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Is suffering always moral?
- What alternative values could replace sacrifice?
A Different Perspective
The equation may oversimplify complex human experiences.
![“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)
