Atheism Quote by James A. Michener
“I am terrified of restrictive religious doctrine, having learned from history that when men who adhere to any form of it are in control, common men like me are in peril.”
About This Quote
The quote warns that oppressive religious dogma, when wielded by those in power, endangers ordinary people, drawing on historical examples of tyranny.
In simple terms: Oppressive doctrine harms the populace.
Key Takeaway
Beware of dogmatic rule.
Themes
authoritarianism
religion
history
freedom
power
Mood
cautious
reflective
critical
Type
warning
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- living under a theocratic regime
- voting on religious legislation
- educational curriculum debates
- public policy formation
- personal moral decision-making
Key Concepts
dogma
political authority
civil liberty
Practical Applications
- advocacy for secular governance
- historical analysis of religious oppression
Questions to Reflect On
- How does religious authority affect individual rights?
- What historical events illustrate this danger?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that religious frameworks can provide moral guidance and social cohesion, countering the claim that they are inherently perilous.
![“[Very rich people] with brains make a great effort to hold on to every penny they have while preaching to the general population that freedom and dignity and patriotism are possible only under their protection; in this way they elicit the support of the very people they hold in subjection.” quote by James A. Michener](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/60b/james-a-michener-1627_freedom_very-rich-people-with-brains-make-a-grea_8715.jpg)
![“. . . Luddites were those frenzied traditionalists of the early 19th century who toured [England] wrecking new weaving machines on the theory that if they were destroyed . . . old jobs and old ways of life could be preserved . . . At certain times in his life each man is tempted to become a…” quote by James A. Michener](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/182/james-a-michener-1627_19th-century_luddites-were-those-frenzied-traditional_76909.jpg)
