Bible Quote by Marilla Ricker
“Religion is not the hero of the day, but the zero. In any exposition of the products of brains, the Sunday-School takes the booby prize. . . . Man has asked for truth and the Church has given him miracles. He has asked for knowledge, and the Church has given him theology. He has asked for facts, and the Church has given him the Bible. This foolishness should stop. The Church has nothing to give man that has not been in cold storage for two thousand years. Anything would become stale in that time.”
About This Quote
The author criticizes religion and church institutions as outdated, offering no fresh truth or knowledge beyond ancient teachings.
In simple terms: Religion seen as stagnant and unhelpful.
Key Takeaway
Question and challenge religious authority.
Themes
criticism
religion
history
knowledge
truth
Mood
skeptical
critical
Type
cautionary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- personal belief
- public discourse
Key Concepts
institutional stagnation
authority
cultural critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How does tradition influence modern belief?
- Can truth exist without religion?
A Different Perspective
Critics may argue faith provides personal meaning beyond facts.
