What would have to occur or to have occurred to constitute for you a disproof of the love of, or the existence of, God?
Antony FlewRead
Now, if anything at all can be known to be wrong, it seems to me to be unshakably certain that it would be wrong to make any sentient being suffer eternally for any offence whatever.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote argues against the idea of eternal punishment for even the gravest offenses, emphasizing the importance of compassion for sentient beings.
In this quote, Antony Flew presents a strong moral argument against the notion of eternal suffering as punishment. He asserts that if it can be universally agreed that some actions are wrong, then it is inherently wrong to impose eternal suffering on anyone, regardless of their offenses. This perspective encourages a more humane approach to ethics and underscores the value of compassion towards all sentient beings.
Themes
SufferingSentient BeingsMoralityCompassionEternal Punishment
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on moral philosophy, one could use this quote to support a point about the ethics of punishment.
More from Antony Flew
All quotes →Although I was once sharply critical of the argument to design, I have since come to see that, when correctly formatted, this argument constitutes a persuasive case for the existence of God.
Antony FlewRead
Similar quotes
It's obvious that the key problem facing humanity in the coming century is how to bring a better quality of life - for 8 billion or more people - without wrecking the environment entirely in the attempt.
E. O. WilsonRead
A particularly beautiful woman is a source of terror. As a rule, a beautiful woman is a terrible disappointment.
Carl JungRead
You're wrong. The mind is not like raindrops. It does not fall from the skies, it does not lose itself among other things. If you believe in me at all, then believe this: I promise you I will find it. Everything depends on this." "I believe you," she whispers after a moment. "Please find my mind.
Haruki MurakamiRead
Think often on God, by day, by night, in your business and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave him not alone.
Brother LawrenceRead
For every shrill and violent voice that throws itself in front of microphones and cameras in the name of God, there are countless lives of gentleness and good works who will not. We need to see and hear them, as well, to understand the whole story of religion in our world.
Krista TippettRead
I suppose it's a very highly developed form of denial, but some part of me completely denies that I'm a performer.
Daniel Day-LewisRead