Atheism Quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“Clergymen who publish pious frauds in the interest of the church are the orthodox liars of God.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" (interpretive line), 1798
Criticizes religious hypocrisy, suggesting some clergy manipulate faith for power, becoming false prophets.
In simple terms: Clergy can be deceptive.
Key Takeaway
Question authority in faith.
Themes
religion
hypocrisy
authority
truth
Mood
skeptical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- church leadership
- public discourse
- education
Key Concepts
theology
ethical critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How to discern genuine spiritual guidance?
- What reforms can reduce religious abuse?
A Different Perspective
Faith communities may resist criticism.
![“[Middleton] contended that the religious leaders of the fourth century had admitted, eulogised, and habitually acted upon principles that were diametrically opposed, not simply to the aspirations of a transcendent sanctity, but to the dictates of the most common honesty. He showed that they had…” quote by William Edward Hartpole Lecky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fe6/william-edward-hartpole-lecky_adopted_middleton-contended-that-the-religious-l_484601.jpg)
