Bed Quote by Gilbert K. Chesterton
“I do not know much about Mohammed or Mohammedanism. I do not take the Koran to bed with me every night. But, if I did on some one particular night, there is one sense at least in which I know what I should not find there. I apprehend that I should not find the work abounding in strong encouragements to the worship of idols; that the praises of polytheism would not be loudly sung; that the character of Mohammed would not be subjected to anything resembling hatred and derision; and that the great modern doctrine of the unimportance of religion would not be needlessly emphasised.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Barbarism of the English Language”, 1905
Chesterton argues that a true religious text would lack idol worship, polytheistic praise, and overt hostility toward its founder, while also not dismissing religion entirely.
In simple terms: He expects a balanced, non‑idolatrous, respectful text that doesn’t deny religion.
Key Takeaway
Recognize nuance in religious criticism.
Themes
religion
literature
criticism
balance
moderation
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
explanatory
critical
When to use this quote
- academic analysis
- interfaith dialogue
- personal reflection
- media review
- public discourse
Key Concepts
theology
idolatry
polytheism
respect
secularism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we assess religious works without bias?
- What role should respect play in critique?
A Different Perspective
Religious texts can be both critical and reverent, making simplistic judgments difficult.
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