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Bin laden Quote by Richard Dawkins

“As long as we accept the principle that religious faith must be respected simply because it is religious faith, it is hard to withhold respect from the faith of Osama bin Laden and the suicide bombers. The alternative, one so transparent that it should need no urging, is to abandon the principle…” quote by Richard Dawkins
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““As long as we accept the principle that religious faith must be respected simply because it is religious faith, it is hard to withhold respect from the faith of Osama bin Laden and the suicide bombers. The alternative, one so transparent that it should need no urging, is to abandon the principle of automatic respect for religious faith. This is one reason why I do everything in my power to warn people against faith itself, not just against so-called ‘extremist’ faith. The teachings of ‘moderate’ religion, though not extremist in themselves, are an open invitation to extremism.””

Richard Dawkins

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Richard Dawkins Podcast, 2015

Blind respect for all faiths can unintentionally legitimize extremist ideologies; critical evaluation is essential.

In simple terms: Question faith without blanket respect to avoid endorsing extremism.

Key Takeaway

Critically assess beliefs, not just faith.

Themes

religion extremism critical thinking

Mood

critical analytical controversial

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • education
  • media discourse
  • interfaith dialogue

Key Concepts

secularism ethical reasoning

Questions to Reflect On

  • What criteria should guide respect for belief systems?
  • How to distinguish extremist teachings from moderate ones?
A Different Perspective

May dismiss sincere, non-extremist believers.

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