Bible Quote by Thomas Paine
![“As to the fragments of morality that are irregularly and thinly scattered in those books [the Bible], they make no part of this pretended thing, revealed religion. They are the natural dictates of conscience, and the bonds by which society is held together, and without which it cannot exist ; and…” quote by Thomas Paine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fa6/thomas-paine-267_bible_as-to-the-fragments-of-morality-that-are_964723.jpg)
““As to the fragments of morality that are irregularly and thinly scattered in those books [the Bible], they make no part of this pretended thing, revealed religion. They are the natural dictates of conscience, and the bonds by which society is held together, and without which it cannot exist ; and are nearly the same in all religions, and in all societies. The Testament teaches nothing new upon this subject, and where it attempts to exceed, it becomes mean and ridiculous. When it is said, as in the Testament, 'If a man smite thee on the right cheek, turn to him the other also,' it is assassinating the dignity of forbearance, and sinking man into a spaniel.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Common Sense, 1776
Moral teachings in the Bible are presented as universal conscience rules, not unique revelations, and attempts to add new moral demands are absurd.
In simple terms: Bible morals are seen as common sense, not special revelations.
Key Takeaway
Recognize shared moral foundations across cultures.
Themes
morality
religion
society
conscience
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- legal systems
- interfaith dialogue
- education
- policy making
Key Concepts
universal ethics
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What moral principles do you consider universal?
- How do religious texts influence societal norms?
A Different Perspective
Claims of unique religious morality can ignore common human ethics.
