Skip to content

Atheism Quote by Salman Rushdie

“What sort of god could be excused the actions of his followers? Didn’t it, in a way, infantilise the deity to say he was powerless against the faithful?” quote by Salman Rushdie
Download Open image
““What sort of god could be excused the actions of his followers? Didn’t it, in a way, infantilise the deity to say he was powerless against the faithful?””

Salman Rushdie

About This Quote

Source Novel: Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie, 1981

The quote questions whether a deity can be blamed for the deeds of believers, suggesting that labeling a god as powerless diminishes its authority.

In simple terms: Can a god be blamed for followers' actions?

Key Takeaway

Consider the limits of divine agency.

Themes

theology responsibility power faith authority

Mood

thoughtful critical inquisitive

Type

philosophical theological literary

When to use this quote

  • religious debate
  • ethical discussions
  • literary analysis
  • personal belief
  • political commentary

Key Concepts

Divine agency moral accountability human agency

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we assign moral responsibility between deity and devotee?
  • Does attributing powerlessness to a god affect faith?
A Different Perspective

If a deity is seen as powerless, believers may still act independently, challenging the notion of divine control.

2.2 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Salman Rushdie

Explore all 1,087 Salman Rushdie quotes

More Atheism quotes

Browse all 4,676 Atheism quotes