Angel Quote by Thomas Paine
““The story of the angel announcing what the church calls the immaculate conception, is not so much as mentioned in the books ascribed to Mark, and John; and is differently related in Matthew and Luke. The former says the angel, appeared to Joseph; the latter says, it was to Mary; but either Joseph or Mary was the worst evidence that could have been thought of; for it was others that should have testified for them, and not they for themselves. Were any girl that is now with child to say, and even to swear it, that she was gotten with child by a ghost, and that an angel told her so, would she be believed? Certainly she would not. Why then are we to believe the same thing of another girl whom we never saw, told by nobody knows who, nor when, nor where ? How strange and inconsistent is it, that the same circumstance that would weaken the belief even of a probable story, should be given as a motive for believing this one, that has upon the face of it every token of absolute impossibility and imposture.””
About This Quote
The passage questions the credibility of miraculous birth narratives, highlighting inconsistencies and the demand for eyewitness testimony.
In simple terms: Miracle stories lack reliable witnesses, making belief doubtful.
Key Takeaway
Seek evidence before accepting extraordinary claims.
Themes
faith
skepticism
historical criticism
Mood
inquisitive
skeptical
Type
theological
historical
When to use this quote
- religious doctrine
- historical analysis
- personal belief systems
Key Concepts
epistemology
mythology
Questions to Reflect On
- What standards of proof are appropriate for ancient accounts?
- How do cultural contexts shape acceptance of miracles?
A Different Perspective
It assumes modern standards of evidence apply to ancient texts.
