The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 08 (of 12): Dresden Edition—InterviewsIngersoll, Robert Green
Religion
The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 08 (of 12): Dresden Edition—Interviews
Ingersoll, Robert Green
Free thought
The Salvation Army is the result of two things--the general belief
in what are known as the fundamentals of Christianity, and the
heartlessness of the church. The church in England--that is to
say, the Church of England--having succeeded--that is to say, being
supported by general taxation--that is to say, being a successful,
well-fed parasite--naturally neglected those who did not in any
way contribute to its support. It became aristocratic. Splendid
churches were built; younger sons with good voices were put in the
pulpits; the pulpit became the asylum for aristocratic mediocrity,
and in this way the Church of England lost interest in the masses
and the masses lost interest in the Church of England. The neglected
poor, who really had some belief in religion, and who had not been
absolutely petrified by form and patronage, were ready for the
Salvation Army. They were not at home in the church. They could
not pay. They preferred the freedom of the street. They preferred
to attend a church where rags were no objection. Had the church
loved and labored with the poor the Salvation Army never would have
existed. These people are simply giving their idea of Christianity,
and in their way endeavoring to do what they consider good. I
don't suppose the Salvation Army will accomplish much. To improve
mankind you must change conditions. It is not enough to work simply
upon the emotional nature. The surroundings must be such as
naturally produce virtuous actions. If we are to believe recent
reports from London, the Church of England, even with the assistance
of the Salvation Army, has accomplished but little. It would be
hard to find any country with less morality. You would search long
in the jungles of Africa to find greater depravity.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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