Accusing Quote by H. L. Mencken
“Here the only genuine conflict is between true believers. Of a given text in Holy Writ one faction may say this thing and another that, but both agree unreservedly that the text itself is impeccable, and neither in the midst of the most violent disputation would venture to accuse the other of doubt. To call a man a doubter in these parts is equal to accusing him of cannibalism. Even the infidel Scopes himself is not charged with any such infamy.”
About This Quote
Religious disputes often involve mutual certainty, making doubt equated with extreme condemnation.
In simple terms: Faith groups can label doubt as betrayal.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions and avoid labeling dissent.
Themes
religion
dogma
conflict
dialogue
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- interfaith discussions
- academic debates
- community meetings
- media analysis
Key Concepts
faith certainty
group identity
intolerance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we foster respectful disagreement?
- What are the risks of equating doubt with immorality?
A Different Perspective
Such labeling can stifle genuine inquiry.
![“By profession a biologist, [Thomas Henry Huxley] covered in fact the whole field of the exact sciences, and then bulged through its four fences. Absolutely nothing was uninteresting to him. His curiosity ranged from music to theology and from philosophy to history. He didn't simply know something…” quote by H. L. Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f46/h-l-mencken-245_absolutely-nothing_by-profession-a-biologist-thomas-henry-h_5368.jpg)
