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Every church that has a standard higher than human welfare is dangerous.
Robert Green Ingersoll
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote critiques organizations prioritizing beliefs over human well-being.

Robert Green Ingersoll's quote suggests that when any institution, such as a church, places its principles or standards above the welfare of people, it becomes potentially harmful. The underlying warning is about the dangers of dogma that may sacrifice individual well-being for a higher purpose, indicating a need for a moral framework that prioritizes human compassion and welfare.

Themes

ChurchHuman WelfareDangerDogmaPhilosophy

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about the role of religion in modern society.

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I believe that there is something far nobler than loyalty to any particular man. Loyalty to the truth as we perceive it - loyalty to our duty as we know it - loyalty to the ideals of our brain and heart - is, to my mind, far greater and far nobler than loyalty to the life of any particular man or God. . . .
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