Atheism Quote by Peter De Vries
“You don't believe in God," I said to Stein. "God is a word banging around in the human nervous system. He exists about as much as Santa Claus." "Santa Claus has had a tremendous influence, exist or not." "For children." "Lots of saints have died for God with a courage that's hardly childish." "That's part of the horror. It's all a fantasy. It's all for nothing.”
About This Quote
Source Short story: "The God of the Little Things" by Peter De Vries, 1965
Challenges religious belief by comparing it to cultural myths, suggesting faith may be a human construct.
In simple terms: Faith can be seen as a cultural story rather than fact.
Consider the role of belief in personal life.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- debates on religion
- personal belief formation
- ethical decisions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you find comfort in myths?
- How do you differentiate belief from fact?
May dismiss genuine spiritual experiences and community value.