Long time Quote by James A. Michener
““The constable said, “Just time enough for the scars to heal, so that I can whip them open again.” He thought of this statement a long time and wondered why people so attached to God should take such positive delight in crucifying a man who had precisely the same love for God, but with a different manner of expressing it. He even understood the punishment, for he had observed that all people allied to a church seek to protect it, but he would never understand the pleasure the Puritans took in the infliction of punishment. The””
About This Quote
The passage critiques the paradox of religious fervor that both heals and inflicts suffering, questioning why believers find pleasure in punishing those who share their faith differently.
In simple terms: Religious zeal can both comfort and cause pain, often paradoxically.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge harmful religious zealotry.
Themes
faith
punishment
hypocrisy
religion
humanity
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
inquisitive
Type
theological
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- theological debate
- ethical education
- conflict resolution
- historical analysis
- personal introspection
Key Concepts
theodicy
moral paradox
social critique
psychology of belief
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do some find joy in punishment?
- How can faith promote compassion?
A Different Perspective
It may generalize complex religious experiences.
![“[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)
