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Evidence Quote by Robert G. Ingersoll

“The founder of a religion must be able to turn water into wine -- cure with a word the blind and lame, and raise with a simple touch the dead to life. It was necessary for him to demonstrate to the satisfaction of his barbarian disciple, that he was superior to nature. In times of ignorance this…” quote by Robert G. Ingersoll
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““The founder of a religion must be able to turn water into wine -- cure with a word the blind and lame, and raise with a simple touch the dead to life. It was necessary for him to demonstrate to the satisfaction of his barbarian disciple, that he was superior to nature. In times of ignorance this was easy to do. The credulity of the savage was almost boundless. To him the marvelous was the beautiful, the mysterious was the sublime. Consequently, every religion has for its foundation a miracle -- that is to say, a violation of nature -- that is to say, a falsehood. No one, in the world's whole history, ever attempted to substantiate a truth by a miracle. Truth scorns the assistance of a miracle. Nothing but falsehood ever attested itself by signs and wonders. No miracle ever was performed, and no sane man ever thought he had performed one, and until one is performed, there can be no evidence of the existence of any power superior to, and independent of, nature.””

Robert G. Ingersoll

About This Quote

Source Speech: Athe of Religion, Robert G. Ingersoll, 1885

Miracles are false claims that violate nature; truth stands without supernatural proof.

In simple terms: Miracles are false; truth needs no miracles.

Key Takeaway

Seek evidence, not wonder.

Themes

faith skepticism truth

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical skeptical

When to use this quote

  • religious debate
  • scientific inquiry
  • philosophical discussion

Key Concepts

miracle critique rationalism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you think miracles can be metaphorical?
  • How does belief affect perception of truth?
A Different Perspective

Some find comfort in miracles, despite lack of proof.

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