CATHOLIC: Let me understand what you're saying, Mrs. Paxmore. You believe that on some day to come, the religious leaders of this world are going to convene and state that what the Bible has condoned since the days of Abraham, that what Jesus Himself approved of and against which He never spoke … You believe that our leaders are going to tell the world, "It is all wrong"? QUAKER: I expect to spend my life, Neighbor Steed, trying to convince my religion that slavery is wrong. CATHOLIC: Aha! Then even your religion doesn't condemn it? QUAKER: Not now. CATHOLIC
In this dialogue, a Catholic character challenges a Quaker's belief about the future stance of religious leaders on issues like slavery, which has been accepted in biblical times. The Catholic expresses skepticism about whether these leaders will ever declare something that was traditionally condoned as wrong, highlighting a tension between historical religious teachings and contemporary ethics.
The Quaker, in turn, reveals a personal mission to persuade their own religious community to denounce slavery, indicating that there is currently no consensus within that faith. This exchange underscores the complexities of morality within religious frameworks, illustrating the struggle between established beliefs and evolving moral understandings.
Rate the Quote
User Reviews
Other quotes in book quote
All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
