Free will Quote by Robert Sheckley
““It's the deep, fundamental bedrock of hypocrisy upon which religion is founded. Consider: no creature can be said to worship if it does not possess free will. Free will, however, is FREE. And just by virtue of being free, is intractable and incalculable, a truly Godlike gift, the faculty that makes a state of freedom possible. To exist in a state of freedom is a wild, strange thing, and was clearly intended as such. But what to the religions do with this? They say, "Very well, you possess free will; but now you must use your free will to enslave yourself to God and to us." The effrontery of it! God, who would not coerce a fly, is painted as a supreme slavemaster! In the fact of this, any creature with spirit must rebel, must serve God entirely of his own will and volition, or must not serve him at all, thus remaining true to himself and to the faculties God has given him.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Devil's Day, 1975
Religion claims free will but then demands obedience, creating a paradox that forces believers to choose between authentic self‑governance and imposed servitude.
In simple terms: Religion asks for free will yet demands submission, creating a conflict.
Key Takeaway
Question authority, honor true freedom.
Themes
religion
free will
authority
rebellion
Mood
critical
provocative
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
skeptical
When to use this quote
- personal faith decisions
- political activism
- social movements
Key Concepts
philosophy
theology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you see value in structured belief?
- How does free will shape moral responsibility?
A Different Perspective
May overlook positive community aspects of faith.
