Capable Quote by Thomas Hobbes
“If God bestowed immortality on every man then when he made him, and he made many to whom he never purposed to give his saving grace, what did his Lordship think that God gave any man immortality with purpose only to make him capable of immortal torments? It is a hard saying, and I think cannot piously be believed. I am sure it can never be proved by the canonical Scripture.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Leviathan, 1651
The quote questions the purpose of immortality given by God, suggesting it leads to endless torment and is contradictory to divine grace.
In simple terms: Immortality seems pointless if it only brings endless suffering.
Key Takeaway
Consider the moral implications of eternal life.
Themes
theology
philosophy
eternity
divine justice
Mood
conflicted
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- personal belief
- religious debate
- ethical reasoning
- existential reflection
Key Concepts
free will
afterlife
suffering
purpose
Questions to Reflect On
- What purpose would eternal life serve?
- Can suffering be justified by divine intent?
A Different Perspective
The argument assumes a literal interpretation of scripture and may overlook metaphorical meanings.
![“The belief in the immortality of man is the belief in the divinity of man[.]” quote by Ludwig Feuerbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/221/ludwig-feuerbach-3406_death_the-belief-in-the-immortality-of-man-is_1273157.jpg)
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
