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Christian religion Quote by Philip Pullman

“Religion is, as I say, something universal and something human, and something impossible to eradicate, nor would I want to eradicate it. I am a religious person, although I am not a believer. Religion is at its best when it is a long way from political power. The founder of the Christian religion…” quote by Philip Pullman
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““Religion is, as I say, something universal and something human, and something impossible to eradicate, nor would I want to eradicate it. I am a religious person, although I am not a believer. Religion is at its best when it is a long way from political power. The founder of the Christian religion -- or, the founders of the Christian religion, Jesus and St. Paul -- were both clear about this. "Blessed are the meek." "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." St. Paul is perfectly clear that the highest Christian virtue is charity, not patriotism, not martial valor, not exalting your class, your group, your race above others, but charity. That's the highest virtue. When religion remembers that and acts accordingly, it does good. But religion, at various points in human history, notably the history of western Europe and the history of some parts of the Middle East more recently, has acquired political power, and put its hands on the levers of social authority. It decides who shall live and who shall die. It decides how we shall dress, what we shall be allowed to read, whether we shall go to war, and so on. When religion acquires that power, it goes bad very rapidly.””

Philip Pullman

About This Quote

Source Interview: BBC Radio 4, 2015

Religion is a human construct that can inspire compassion but becomes harmful when it seeks political power.

In simple terms: Religion can be good, but bad when political.

Key Takeaway

Keep religion separate from politics.

Themes

religion politics ethics

Mood

cautious critical

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • interfaith dialogue
  • education curricula
  • human rights advocacy

Key Concepts

secularism moral philosophy historical abuse

Questions to Reflect On

  • Should religion influence law?
  • How can societies limit religious political power?
A Different Perspective

Power can corrupt any institution, not just religion.

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