This is not a well-researched, dry discourse that attempts to refute the religion of christianity. In its infinite logic and simplicity it demonstrates why that in fact is not necessary. In this brief and precise volume, the author, Robert Ingersoll simply points out the all-encompassing absurdity of every facet of the religion and the traits of the intractable moron who is the average christ lover.
The ridiculous fairy-tales. The unanswered criticism. Above all the stunning contradiction of hatred, revenge and promises of eternal damnation that thrill so many righteous scum while blithely claiming that theirs is a religion of peace and love.
There are multi-layered, complex attempts by highly intelligent individuals to provide well-articulated theses on the supposed truth of christianity. Pedantic tomes that require mental gymnastics to give them any sort of credence. There are just as many equally weighty responses. Aside from the potential entertainment value, Ingersoll demonstrates why they are not needed. There is absolutely nothing in the bible or as preached by the religious fools that in any way jibes with the reality around us.
The most basic of questions directed at these intolerant bigots cannot be answered, only met with dodges and weaves. Anyone who provides a succinct and memorable demolition of the absurdities is not given a rebuttal, for one cannot be provided, but instead has their reputation shredded.
Religion appeals to scared individuals for whom logic is alien and it perpetuates that mindset. In their thinking, no moronic attempt to respond to the overwhelming evidence that obscures their antiquated fairy tale is beyond the pale. The presence of fossils that obliterate the ridiculous timeline proposed by the book these shitheads worship? Simple...they were put there by their supernatural vengeful deity so as to test their faith.
Ingersoll provides a personal recounting of his religious upbringing highlighted against his ongoing realization at how unbelievable the teachings of christianity were when questioned. Those who seemed most obsessive about the cult and became preachers seemed to be of a type. They all used the promise of eternal pain and suffering as the central aspect of their beliefs and attacked anyone who dared to question them. Get caught up in the morass of circular reasoning and fear-induced belief and all one has to do is open their eyes. This is exactly what Ingersoll did and he points to this as another factor in helping to eliminate any doubt he had that christianity was anything but undiluted horseshit. His studies and research in science, astronomy and the humanities provided him with the enemy of all religions...knowledge and the desire to question.
Article comments
1 - Temple Stark
Whew - is this one too hot to touch?
Seems so - and as a reporter who has to get along with EVERYONE I'm not going there.
However, no one should be afraid to ask questions. When you shut down questions is when you show fear.
Polite but aggressive questions.
2 - Steve S
There are two quotes by Ingersoll, that I always keep close by, even though I believe in God. I do not believe in the Church of today.
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It is contended by many that ours is a Christian government, founded upon the Bible, and that all who look upon the book as false or foolish are destroying the foundation of our country. The truth is, our government is not founded upon the rights of gods, but upon the rights of men. Our Constitution was framed, not to declare and uphold the deity of Christ, but the sacredness of humanity. Ours is the first government made by the people and for the people. It is the only nation with which the gods have had nothing to do. And yet there are some judges dishonest and cowardly enough to solemnly decide that this is a Christian country, and that our free institutions are based upon the infamous laws of Jehovah.
-- Robert Ingersoll, "Individuality" (1873)
I oppose the church because she is the enemy of liberty; because her dogmas are infamous and cruel; because she humiliates and degrades woman; because she teaches the doctrines of eternal torment and the natural depravity of man; because she insists upon the absurd, the impossible, and the senseless; because she resorts to falsehood and slander; because she is arrogant and revengeful; because she allows men to sin on a credit; because she discourages self-reliance, and laughs at good works; because she believes in vicarious virtue and vicarious vice -- vicarious punishment and vicarious reward; because she regards repentance of more importance than restitution, and because she sacrifices the world we have to one we know not of. - Preface to a speech, 1878, Washington, DC.