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Just to the extent that the Bible was appealed to in matters of science, science was retarded; and just to the extent that science has been appealed to in matters of religion, religion has advanced - so that now the object of intelligent religionists is to adopt a creed that will bear the test and criticism of science.
Robert Green Ingersoll
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the relationship between science and religion, suggesting that both can positively influence each other when approached intelligently.

Robert Green Ingersoll's quote reflects on the historical interplay between science and religion, highlighting how reliance on the Bible for scientific matters has hindered scientific progress, while the incorporation of scientific scrutiny into religious beliefs has led to their evolution. The quote advocates for a harmonious relationship where religious beliefs adapt to withstand the criticism of scientific inquiry, promoting a more rational and enlightened approach to faith.

Themes

ScienceReligionBeliefTruthEnlightenment

In practice

Example use cases

In a debate about the role of faith in modern society, one could quote Ingersoll to highlight the importance of scientific integrity.

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I will follow my logic, no matter where it goes, after it has consulted with my heart. If you ever come to a conclusion without calling the heart in, you will come to a bad conclusion.
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If the guardians of society, the protectors of 'young persons,' could have had their way, we should have known nothing of Byron or Shelley. The voices that thrill the world would now be silent.
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The religion that has to be supported by law is without value, not only, but a fraud and a curse. The religious argument that has to be supported by a musket is hardly worth making.
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There is no slavery but ignorance.
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In all ages the people have honored those who dishonored them. They have worshiped their destroyers; they have canonized the most gigantic liars, and buried the great thieves in marble and gold. Under the loftiest monuments sleeps the dust of murder.
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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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