Absurdities Quote by Thomas Paine
““I have now gone through the examination of the four books ascribed to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; and when it is considered that the whole space of time, from the crucifixion to what is called the ascension, is but a few days, apparently not more than three or four, and that all the circumstances are reported to have happened nearly about the same spot, Jerusalem, it is, I believe, impossible to find in any story upon record so many and such glaring absurdities, contradictions, and falsehoods, as are in those books . They are more numerous and striking than I had any expectation of finding, when I began this examination, and far more so than I had any idea of when I wrote the former part of 'The Age of Reason.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Age of Reason, 1794
Questioning religious texts reveals contradictions, prompting critical thinking about faith and history.
In simple terms: Criticizing biblical inconsistencies.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions.
Themes
skepticism
religion
history
Mood
thoughtful
skeptical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- personal belief
- interfaith dialogue
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
Critical inquiry
historical analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How do contradictions affect belief?
- Can faith coexist with critical analysis?
A Different Perspective
Faith traditions may resist critique.
![“It is, I believe, impossible to find in any story upon record so many and such glaring absurdities, contradictions, and falsehoods, as are in the books [The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John]. They are more numerous and striking than I had any expectation of finding, when I began this…” quote by Thomas Paine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/211/thomas-paine-267_absurdity_it-is-i-believe-impossible-to-find-in-an_934757.jpg)
![“Now, if the writers of these four books [Gospels] had gone into a court of justice to prove an alibi, (for it is of the nature of an alibi that is here attempted to be proved, namely, the absence of a dead body by supernatural means,) and had they given their evidence in the same contradictory…” quote by Thomas Paine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6a6/thomas-paine-267_alibi_now-if-the-writers-of-these-four-books-g_888540.jpg)
