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Bible Quote by Thomas Aikenhead

“Indictment for blasphemy: That ... the prisoner had repeatedly maintained, in conversation, that theology was a rhapsody of ill-invented nonsense, patched up partly of the moral doctrines of philosophers, and partly of poetical fictions and extravagant chimeras: That he ridiculed the holy…” quote by Thomas Aikenhead
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““Indictment for blasphemy: That ... the prisoner had repeatedly maintained, in conversation, that theology was a rhapsody of ill-invented nonsense, patched up partly of the moral doctrines of philosophers, and partly of poetical fictions and extravagant chimeras: That he ridiculed the holy scriptures, calling the Old Testament Ezra's fables, in profane allusion to Esop's Fables; That he railed on Christ, saying, he had learned magick in Egypt, which enabled him to perform those pranks which were called miracles: That he called the New Testament the history of the imposter Christ; That he said Moses was the better artist and the better politician; and he preferred Muhammad to Christ: That the Holy Scriptures were stuffed with such madness, nonsense, and contradictions, that he admired the stupidity of the world in being so long deluded by them: That he rejected the mystery of the Trinity as unworthy of refutation; and scoffed at the incarnation of Christ.””

Thomas Aikenhead

About This Quote

Source Trial transcript: 1697 Scottish Witchcraft trial, Scotland

A man was condemned for publicly denouncing religious texts and doctrines, labeling them nonsense and contradictions, leading to blasphemy charges.

In simple terms: He criticized holy writings and called them false.

Key Takeaway

Question authority, but beware legal consequences.

Themes

freedom of speech religion blasphemy law authority

Mood

defiant controversial

Type

legal historical

When to use this quote

  • public debate
  • academic critique
  • artistic expression
  • political satire

Key Concepts

skepticism iconoclasm historical legal context

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is criticism of religion protected speech?
  • When does critique become criminal?
A Different Perspective

Legal systems may punish dissenting speech.

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