Bible Quote by Sam Harris
““If you think that it would be impossible to improve upon the Ten Commandments as a statement of morality, you really owe it to yourself to read some other scriptures. Once again, we need look no further than the Jains: Mahavira , the Jain patriarch, surpassed the morality of the Bible with a single sentence: 'Do not injure, abuse, oppress, enslave, insult, torment, torture, or kill any creature or living being.' Imagine how different our world might be if the Bible contained this as its central precept. Christians have abused, oppressed, enslaved, insulted, tormented, tortured, and killed people in the name of God for centuries, on the basis of a theologically defensible reading of the Bible.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Book discussion on “The Moral Landscape”, 2010
The quote argues that moral teachings can be expanded beyond traditional scriptures, using Jain principles as a broader ethical guide.
In simple terms: Morality can be broader than the Ten Commandments.
Key Takeaway
Consider ethical teachings from multiple traditions.
Themes
ethics
religion
comparative morality
human rights
violence
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- interfaith dialogue
- policy making
- education curricula
- personal moral reflection
Key Concepts
non‑violence
compassion
universal ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies integrate diverse moral frameworks?
- What challenges arise when redefining central ethical precepts?
A Different Perspective
Religious texts often reflect cultural contexts, limiting universal application.
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