Mark Twain comments on the folly of religion, what do his words speak to you about tolerance?

Question

"The easy confidence with which I know another man's religion is folly teaches me to suspect that my own is also."

"I would not interfere with any one's religion, either to strengthen it or to weaken it. I am not able to believe one's religion can affect his hereafter one way or the other, no matter what that religion maybe. But it may easily be a great comfort to him in this life hence it is a valuable possession to him."

Specifically, what do these words say about the possibility that your own religion or philosophy is folly except to you personally? Can you stomach that possibility?

To address blizgamer333's comment, you'd prefer I quote Fred Phelps?

Answer 1

Yes, it does speak of tolerance. Looks like he understands the meaning of "I might be wrong too". The person who steps up and says someone is wrong in a religious belief should be able to handle the idea that they may be wrong as well... and, ultimately, there is no reason to bother with attacking a persons religion, because obviously it is only for personal comfort. (Unless they step out of that and the religious attack others because of a difference in belief... then it's not personal comfort...)

Answer 2

There are a number of excellent Mark Twain quotes - he was most perceptive and insightful. He is quite right that religion provides comfort for those unable to face reality without a crutch.

Answer 3

Gandhi said, "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ."

I think with most religions, it's the actions, or works, that really matter. You can talk about your beliefs with others, but if you do so with name calling or put downs which basically convey you somehow have all the answers, they will think you and your religion are nuts!

I feel like Gandhi. I grew up christian and I think Jesus is the bomb, but I've met only a handful of real christians...those who don't have any sort of agenda, just loving individuals. Most all are very certain of what God wants and are VERY judgmental. Who would Jesus love...one that claims to be his follower yet is hateful and fundamentally pounding on the Bible, or someone that has compassion and give of themselves but don't identify themselves as christian?

Answer 4

To me it says that he didn't like or believe in any religion. But he thought that it's good for some people. So as far as tolerance goes, I think it means he was very tolerant of what others believed.

Answer 5

MARK TWAIN ALSO WROTE:::

“””To conclude. - If the statistics are right, the Jews constitute but one per cent. of the human race. It suggests a nebulous dim puff of star-dust lost in the blaze of the Milky Way. Properly the Jew ought hardly to be heard of; but he is heard of, has always been heard of. He is as prominent on the planet as any other people, and his commercial importance is extravagantly out of proportion to the smallness of his bulk. His contributions to the world's list of great names in literature, science, art, music, finance, medicine, and abstruse learning are also away out of proportion to the weakness of his numbers.

He has made a marvellous fight in this world, in all the ages; and has done it with his hands tied behind him. He could be vain of himself, and be excused for it. The Egyptian, the Babylonian, and the Persian rose, filled the planet with sound and splendor, then faded to dream-stuff and passed away; the Greek and the Roman followed, and made a vast noise, and they are gone; other peoples have sprung up and held their torch high for a time, but it burned out, and they sit in twilight now, or have vanished.

The Jew saw them all, beat them all, and is now what he always was, exhibiting no decadence, no infirmities of age, no weakening of his parts, no slowing of his energies, no dulling of his alert and aggressive mind. All things are mortal but the Jew; all other forces pass, but he remains.

What is the secret of his immortality?“”””

Concerning The Jews,
By Mark Twain,
Harper's Magazine, March, 1898

Answer 6

hmmm...to me it says not to bother with religious types. to leave them (the individual) alone because he/she sees it as precious.

i agree with it.

but religion as a whole needs to be attacked. the second it hinders the possible well being of others it officially becomes unnecessary.

Answer 7

It means religion is the "Blankee" of the masses.
Tammi Dee

Answer 8

Sounds agnostic. Makes sense to me.

Answer 9

These are Great quotes from a great author!! Thanks for sharing them with us.Twain was truly ahead of his time,or maybe just in time.more people should read these past wisdoms.

Answer 10

Great quotes.