A handbook of Freethought : $b containing in condensed and systematized form a vast amount of evidence against the superstitious doctrines of Christianity
Religion
A handbook of Freethought : $b containing in condensed and systematized form a vast amount of evidence against the superstitious doctrines of Christianity
Christianity -- Controversial literature; Free thought
Those engaged in the trade of religion, imagine themselves to have a
mighty advantage against Infidels upon the strength of the old, worn
out argument that whether the Christian religion be true or false
there can be no harm in believing; and that belief is, at any rate,
the safer side. Now to say nothing of this old popish argument, which a
sensible man must see is the very essence of popery, and would oblige
us to believe all the absurdities and nonsense in the world: inasmuch
as if there be no harm in believing, and there be some harm and danger
in not believing, the more we believe, the better; and all the argument
for any religion whatever would be, that it should frighten us out of
our wits; the more terrible, the more true; and it would be our duty
to become the converts of that religion, whatever it might be, whose
priests could swear the loudest, and damn and curse the fiercest. This
is a wolfish argument in sheep's clothing. (Truth Seeker tract.)
The "Safe Side."
"Ours is the safe side," says the Christian; "for if Infidelity be
true then both Infidel and Christian have the same destiny, namely
to die and end all, but if Christianity be true what will become
of the Infidel?" In reply to this we say, that although at death
both believer and unbeliever fall asleep side by side upon the
bosom of mother earth, yet it does not make yours the safe side;
because if Christianity be true then the most of the human race
go into eternal torment. Orthodoxy has always taught that "many
are called but few are chosen." Now if nine tenths of the race are
going to suffer endless pain I do not see how those who are going to
constitute a large part of that number and are to be eternally lost,
can call it the "safe side." For it should not be forgotten that
the vast majority of those who are going to suffer the wrath of God,
are professed Christians. "Many will say unto me in that day, Lord,
Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name done many
wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them--I never knew you,
depart from me ye that work iniquity." (Mat. 7 : 22, 23.)
No, no, it will not do to trust that side as the "safe side" where
"many are called but few are chosen."
We need something safer than that.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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