All historical experience demonstrates the following: Our earth cannot be changed unless in the not too distant future an alteration in the consciousness of individuals is achieved.
Hans KungRead
Time and again we see leaders and members of religions incite aggression, fanaticism, hate, and xenophobia - even inspire and legitimate violent and bloody conflicts.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Religious leaders often provoke negative emotions and violence, causing conflicts in society.
Hans Kung's quote highlights the troubling tendency of some religious leaders and members to incite negative feelings such as aggression and hate, which can lead to social unrest and violence. It suggests that rather than promoting peace and understanding, certain interpretations and actions within religious contexts may legitimize hostility and even warfare, thereby illustrating a detrimental impact on society.
Themes
ReligionConflictHateLeadersAggression
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on tolerance, one might quote this to discuss the responsibilities of religious leaders.
More from Hans Kung
All quotes βBut I have to add - and this answers your other question - this catholicity in time and in space is only meaningful for me if there is, at the same time, a concentration on the Gospel.
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However, if the religions in essence merely repeat statements from the United Nations Human Rights Declaration, such a Declaration becomes superfluous; an ethic is more than rights.
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We are conscious that religions cannot solve the economic, political and social problems of this earth.
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At the same time we are aware that our various religions and ethical traditions often offer very different bases for what is helpful and what is unhelpful for men and women, what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what is evil.
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In the last resort, a love of God without love of humanity is no love at all.
Hans KungRead
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