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
Again, we do not see how it can be the "safe side," to despise this
life, in hopes of another that we know nothing of. If Infidelity be
true, all Christians are superstitious idolaters. If Infidelity be
true, Christians are deceived and are corrupting the minds of millions
of children with superstition which will render them bigoted, cruel,
and unhappy. And this is about the size of it. How, then, can it be
the safe side. The safe side is always to be fair and honorable. It
is safe always to examine both sides. It is safe to be on the alert
for more truth. It is safe to accept the truth even when it cuts away
old prejudices and old beliefs. It is safe not to be a sectarian. It
is not safe to be a partizan, but it is safe to be free, courageous,
and honest in all things. It is not safe for you to cling to myths,
fables, and superstitions, and to leave them as a blighting inheritance
to your children.
Popular Objections to Infidelity Answered, Showing Some Mistakes
of Christians.
1. That we are negative, only.--We deny what we deem to be false,
we affirm what we believe to be true, Christians do the same;
only much that they affirm, we deny, and much that they deny,
we affirm. Negation is necessary and healthful. No affirmation is
possible that does not presuppose a negation. Negation is but the
assailing side of affirmation. We deny the fables of mythology;
we affirm the demonstrable truths of science.
2. That we have no incentive to good deeds.--If the Christian acts
as he believes, he does good to escape hell and gain heaven--he
respects the rights of others through fear of punishment and hope of
reward. Hence it is that he cannot understand how the man who rejects
his creed can be a good man. We do right because all the experience of
the race has shown that what we call "right" is conducive to happiness;
because the line of right action is the line of least resistance;
because we believe in the principle of reciprocity, and because every
act of every individual becomes a part of the inheritance of the race,
and thus as we are, so shall be our children. If we are intemperate,
diseased, and criminal, our children shall suffer in consequence
thereof. What higher or stronger incentive to right action can
be offered?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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