Authority Quote by Herbert Read
“I call religion a natural authority, but it has usually been conceived as a supernatural authority.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Meaning of Art, 1931
Religion is often presented as a divine power, yet it functions like any human authority rooted in nature.
In simple terms: Religion acts like human authority.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and question the basis of religious claims.
Themes
authority
religion
philosophy
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- education
- personal belief systems
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
naturalism
supernaturalism
social constructs
Questions to Reflect On
- How does viewing religion as natural change your perception?
- What are the risks of treating religious authority as supernatural?
A Different Perspective
Religious authority can be deeply entrenched, making critique difficult.
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)