"Shake off all the fears of servile prejudices, under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call on her tribunal for every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear."
Identify the quote and discuss its validity or truth please.
2007-02-16 08:22:59 · 8 answers · asked by Nicholas J 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Thomas Jefferson to Peter Carr, 1787
Yes, I agree.
It reminds me of a question I answered on here recently where I said that I would prefer my children do good because the goodness comes from their hearts, than be good because they fear punishment in some afterlife. (I actually got a thumbs-down for saying that.) Blind fear, which organized religion far too often relies upon, causes people to lose their ability to reason. It makes people weak. You can question, and still have faith. Behavior based solely on fear means nothing. Are you truly a good person if you're only good because you're afraid not to be? I think if there's a God, even He would say no.
2007-02-16 08:34:10 · answer #1 · answered by Jess H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jefferson. Valid.
2007-02-16 16:34:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that was Thomas jefferson.
And I would have to agree with the sentiment that fear, as one of our "basest" emotions, is easily manipulated and oft misplaced. As such if god exists and god were truly benevolent, omnipotent, and our creator; I assume god would seek to connect with us through our coginitve abilities and our ability to love as opposed to holding us "under the thumb" with fear as so many other PEOPLE are able to do to us in life.
We are quick to fear because it instinctively provides us security and helps us avoid danger. It is this very instinct towards it that makes it crucial that we question what we fear-- often times our fears are unfounded. (Xenophobia, homophobia, fear of non-commincable diseases, and many other fears with lesser social impact we are unable to overcome... like sharks :) )
But what do I know I'm just one person trying to use reason to figure out as much as I can with a finite amount of time.
2007-02-16 16:38:26 · answer #3 · answered by Lee Um 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't know that to be from Jefferson but I like it all the same. God gave us reason so that we could question and not crouch behind some pompous *** surrogate representative.
2007-02-16 16:29:52 · answer #4 · answered by regmor12 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jefferson - Valid.
2007-02-16 16:27:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thomas Jefferson...and no. I'd debate him any time. And when I get to purgatory, I will.
2007-02-16 16:28:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't know who said it, but I do agree with it.
2007-02-16 16:27:52 · answer #7 · answered by Samurai Jack 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no i dont agree THIS IS RELIGION HERE..
2007-02-16 16:32:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋