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Church Quote by Robert G. Ingersoll

“The doctrine of eternal punishment is in perfect harmony with the savagery of the men who made the orthodox creeds. It is in harmony with torture, with flaying alive, and with burnings. The men who burned their fellow-men for a moment, believed that God would burn his enemies forever.” quote by Robert G. Ingersoll
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““The doctrine of eternal punishment is in perfect harmony with the savagery of the men who made the orthodox creeds. It is in harmony with torture, with flaying alive, and with burnings. The men who burned their fellow-men for a moment, believed that God would burn his enemies forever.””

Robert G. Ingersoll

About This Quote

Source Lecture: Atheism and Moral Philosophy, Robert G. Ingersoll, 1885

The statement argues that the concept of eternal punishment aligns with human cruelty and justifies violent practices historically used by religious authorities.

In simple terms: Eternal punishment mirrors human cruelty.

Key Takeaway

Question the moral basis of punitive doctrines.

Themes

theology ethics violence punishment human nature

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive challenging

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • legal reform
  • secular education
  • human rights advocacy
  • theological debate

Key Concepts

moral philosophy religious critique historical violence

Questions to Reflect On

  • What alternative moral frameworks can replace eternal punishment?
  • How does belief in divine justice affect societal behavior?
A Different Perspective

Religious texts can be interpreted differently, offering non-violent perspectives.

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