Calvinism Quote by H.L. Mencken
““What lay at the bottom of their savagery, of course, was their idiotic belief in Calvinism—beyond question the most brutal and barbaric theology ever subscribed to by mortal man, whether in or out of the African bush.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The American Language by H.L. Mencken, 1921
Mencken criticizes Calvinism as a harsh, irrational doctrine that fuels cruelty and barbarism.
In simple terms: Calvinism is seen as a cruel belief causing savage behavior.
Key Takeaway
Question the moral impact of extreme religious doctrines.
Themes
religion
violence
dogma
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- historical analysis
- religious critique
- social commentary
Key Concepts
theology
human nature
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does belief shape violence?
- Can doctrine be reformed without losing identity?
A Different Perspective
Such doctrines can also be interpreted as cultural resistance rather than pure savagery.
![“What I am trying to argue here [Save Calvinism] and in other works before this one is that the Reformed tradition as I have characterized it is much broader and richer than many of us today imagine. It is not just about "Five Points," and it was never just about [John ] Calvin's thought.” quote by Oliver D. Crisp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cb/oliver-d-crisp-12863_arguing_what-i-am-trying-to-argue-here-save-calv_134263.jpg)
![“If there had been any formidable body of cannibals in the country he [Harry Truman] would have promised to provide them with free missionaries, fattened at the taxpayers’ expense.” quote by H.L. Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3e7/h-l-mencken-2-5374_harry-truman_if-there-had-been-any-formidable-body-of_142631.jpg)
