He never said a word in favor of education. He never even hinted at the existence of any science. He never uttered a word in favor of industry, economy or of any effort to better our condition in this world. He was the enemy of the successful, of the wealthy. Dives was sent to hell, not because he was bad, but because he was rich. Lazarus went to heaven, not because he was good, but because he was poor.
Christ cared nothing for painting, for sculpture, for music — nothing for any art. He said nothing about the duties of nation to nation, of king to subject; nothing about the rights of man; nothing about intellectual liberty or the freedom of speech. He said nothing about the sacredness of home; not one word for the fireside; not a word in favor of marriage, in honor of maternity.
He never married. He wandered homeless from place to place with a few disciples. None of them seem to have been engaged in any useful business, and they seem to have lived on alms.
All human ties were held in contempt; this world was sacrificed for the next; all human effort was discouraged. God would support and protect.
At last, in the dusk of death, Christ, finding that he was mistaken, cried out: “My God My God! Why hast thou forsaken me?”
We have found that man must depend on himself. He must clear the land; he must build the home; he must plow and plant; he must invent; he must work with hand and brain; he must overcome the difficulties and obstructions; he must conquer and enslave the forces of nature to the end that they may do the work of the world.
by Robert Ingersoll, 1894
H/T to The Atheist Experienc
21 comments:
Did he not care for art or simply didn't say anything about art? Two different things. Also, he did speak of marriage. I think he said it's better if you don't marry and instead be a eunuch, but if you do marry, there's no divorce.
Fun little analysis of the character Jesus. Thankfully Ingersoll didn't rap it.
You aren't going to soon forgive me are you? Some Christian you would make. (no irony)
Well I think Jesus and I would be on the same page as far as rap is concerned. Paul, of course, would have tried to bust out some rhymes if he thought it would help. He was a media whore, but more like Kenny Mays, not the Sham-wow guy.
I can only point out that your three references to rap have demonstrated a great deal more knowledge of it than I have. For what it's worth... :)
We don't know if Jesus actually said any of the things attributed to him. Then, there's always the question of whether Jesus existed and said anything at all.
I agree with Chappie. Actually, the analysis reinforces the idea that the NT writings may have had the blessing of the Roman empire, as a way of creating a religion of submissive, non-rebellious followers easy to keep under control.
Haven't heard the idea of the New Testament as a tool of the empire. I've always seen it as a giant pacifier for an enslaved, powerless people. It makes a religion out of helplessness and hopelessness, with the promise of salvation AND final retribution against the imperial bullies in the glorious future.
Gideon -
Chaplain is a SHE. I'm really surprised a highly intelligent Christian hasn't been able to figure that out after all this time. :)
But, let's get to the point. You claim that "only morons would deny" that Christ existed. So, I'm sure you have evidence for his existence. Could you present it to us? Links acceptable.
Gideon boldly declares:
John, there is enough existential evidence in the many writings throughout various cultures that testify of Christ's life...
Then you should have no problem providing just 3 references. Give me 3 references that no thinking person could possibly dispute. Certainly if Jesus definitely existed and you'd have to be an atheistic fool to doubt it, you can provide that much to make me look silly.
If you asked me to prove that Plato, Euclid or Cicero existed I would have zero problem providing 3 concrete historical references. And they lived before Christ and, as you pointed out, are far less famous in current times. Ask 100 people on the streets who Euclid was and see if anyone knows!
The writings of Mao and most of the Harry Potter books are in the top 10 best sellers, too. Does that mean they're also true?
The passage in Josephus was forged, probably by Eusebius.
Tacitus speaks of Christians, not of Jesus.
Amazing how sequels contain details which were alluded to in prequels.
The interesting thing is that if Darwin's works were proved beyond doubt to be a forgery, it would effect the fact of evolution not one dot.
If Jesus didn't exist, Christianity would be rendered without meaning.
Philly got to my comments before me, but I'll just add - if you really convinced that the ONLY source you gave us is valid, you should do some research on it and see if you conclude that it merits you're respect.
So since Tacitus also writes of people of other faiths, then that's proof of their gods being real, too?
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