Able Quote by Robert Green Ingersoll
“All laws for the purpose of making man worship God, are born of the same spirit that kindled the fires of the auto da fe, and lovingly built the dungeons of the Inquisition. All laws defining and punishing blasphemy - making it a crime to give your honest ideas about the Bible, or to laugh at the ignorance of the ancient Jews, or to enjoy yourself on the Sabbath, or to give your opinion of Jehovah, were passed by impudent bigots, and should be at once repealed by honest men. An infinite God ought to be able to protect himself, without going in partnership with State Legislatures.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Athe God of the Universe, 1881
Critiques how laws enforce religious conformity, equating them with historical oppression.
In simple terms: Laws forcing worship suppress freedom.
Key Takeaway
Advocate secular law.
Themes
religion
law
freedom
oppression
history
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legislative reform
- education
- public debate
- human rights activism
Key Concepts
secularism
human rights
state power
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance religious respect with individual liberty?
- What mechanisms protect against religious legalism?
A Different Perspective
Secular laws may clash with cultural traditions.
