Bible Quote by Robert G. Ingersoll
““If the Pentateuch is inspired, the civilization of of our day is a mistake and crime. There should be no political liberty. Heresy should be trodden out beneath the bigot's brutal feet. Husbands should divorce their wives at will, and make the mothers of their children houseless and weeping wanderers. Polygamy ought to be practiced; women should become slaves; we should buy the sons and daughters of the heathen and make them bondmen and bondwomen forever. We should sell our own flesh and blood, and have the right to kill our slaves. Men and women should be stoned to death for laboring on the seventh day. 'Mediums,' such as have familiar spirits, should be burned with fire. Every vestige of mental liberty should be destroyed, and reason's holy torch extinguished in the martyr's blood.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: The Great Debate, 1885
A satirical condemnation of religious literalism that would justify oppression and cruelty if taken as absolute truth.
In simple terms: If holy texts are taken literally, they can justify terrible abuses.
Key Takeaway
Question authority and protect human rights.
Themes
religion
authority
human rights
morality
critique
Mood
critical
skeptical
defiant
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legal reform
- human rights advocacy
- education
- interfaith dialogue
- secular policy
Key Concepts
theocracy
literalism
oppression
freedom of thought
ethical relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does literal interpretation affect modern law?
- What safeguards protect against abuse of religious authority?
A Different Perspective
Such extreme views ignore historical context and nuanced interpretation.
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