Archangel Quote by Richard Dawkins
“Religion is unusual among divisive labels in being spectacularly unnecessary. If religious beliefs had any evidence going for them, we might have to respect them in spite of their concomitant unpleasantness. But there is no such evidence. To label people as death-deserving enemies because of disagreements about real world politics is bad enough. To do the same for disagreements about a delusional world inhabited by archangels, demons and imaginary friends is ludicrously tragic.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins, 2006
Religious labels are often unnecessary and harmful, especially when lacking evidence, and they can lead to extreme hostility over imagined concepts.
In simple terms: Religion often adds needless division and hostility.
Key Takeaway
Avoid labeling others based on unverified beliefs.
Themes
religion
division
evidence
hostility
tragedy
Mood
critical
skeptical
concerned
Type
philosophical
ethical
social.
When to use this quote
- political debates
- interfaith dialogues
- education curricula
- media discourse
Key Concepts
secularism
cognitive bias
social identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies reduce hostility toward differing beliefs?
- What role does evidence play in moral judgments?
A Different Perspective
Even without evidence, people may cling to beliefs for comfort, making change difficult.
