Accounts Quote by Robert Green Ingersoll
“The Church demonstrated the falsity and folly of Darwin's theories by showing that they contradicted the Mosaic account of creation, and now that the theories of Darwin having been fairly established, the Church says that the Mosaic account is true because it is in harmony with Darwin. Now, if it should turn out that Darwin was mistaken, what then?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: 'The Church and Darwin', 1885
Ingersoll points out the Church’s contradictory stance: it first rejects Darwin, then embraces it when it aligns with scripture, exposing logical inconsistency.
In simple terms: He highlights the danger of shifting beliefs to fit convenience.
Key Takeaway
Question the consistency of institutional doctrines.
Themes
religion
science
logical consistency
Mood
skeptical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- debates
- education curricula
- public policy
- media analysis
Key Concepts
theology
philosophy of science
skepticism
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria should guide belief revision?
- How can societies encourage honest discourse between faith and science?
A Different Perspective
Religious institutions may resist change despite evidence.
