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Short Answers to Common Objections Against Religion

A neat little book of answers to a number of objections and arguments frequently urged by the opponents of the Catholic Church. It first treats a few of the objections urged against all religion and Christianity in general by freethinkers; and then takes up those of Protestants against the Church; closing with some excuses pleaded by Catholics to reconcile the opposition existing between their belief and their practice. Mgr de Segur is direct brief and persuasive with a tendency to infuse occasionally a little pungency into the retorts to the adversary. (Adapted from The Catholic World, 1909) (6 hr 16 min)

Chapters

Author's Preface and Publisher's Preface

What have I to do with religion ? I have none, and that does not prevent me enj…

There is no God.

When one dies, there is an end of everything.

Everything is governed by chance - otherwise there would not be so much disorde…

Religion is a very good thing for women.

It is enough to be an honest man; that is the best religion of all, and it is e…

My religion is to do good to others.

Religion, instead of speaking so much of the life to come, ought rather to occu…

We ought to enjoy life; we must have a good time of it; God is too good to have…

The Apostles and early Christians were Communists. They were poor, and had all …

There are many learned men and people of mind who do not believe in religion.

Priests make a trade of religion; they do not believe what they preach.

Priests are drones in the hive! Of what use are they?

There are certainly some bad priests; how can they be the ministers of God?

Priests ought to marry. Celibacy is contrary to nature.

I only believe what I comprehend. Can any reasonable man believe all the myster…

I would willingly have faith, but I cannot.

All religions are good

Is Jesus Christ anything more than a great philosopher, a great benefactor of m…

It is better to be a Protestant than a Catholic; one is just as much a Christia…

Protestants have the same gospel that we have

An honest man ought not to change his religion. We ought to remain in the relig…

The Catholic church has had its day

For my part, I want the pure gospel — primitive Christianity

I have my own religion. Every one is free to practice his religion as he unders…

Priests are men like others; the Pope and the Bishops are men: how can men be i…

Out of the pale of the church there is no salvation! What intolerance! I cannot…

But what have you to say about the massacre of St. Bartholomew?

There is no such place as hell ; no one has ever returned thence to prove it

God is too good to damn me

God has foreseen from all eternity whether I shall be saved or lost. I may do w…

It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles the soul. God will never damn m…

God has no need of my prayers. He knows my wants without my telling them to him.

I pray, and do not obtain what I ask for. I only lose my time.

What have I ever done to offend God that he should send me so much trouble?

What is the use of praying to the Virgin Mary? It is great superstition. Beside…

Why are there no more miracles?

Why is Latin the language of the Church? Why use an unknown tongue?

Priests are always asking for money.

Confession is an invention of the priests.

What is the use of confession?

I do not need to go to Confession. I have nothing to reproach myself with ; I h…

It is so tiresome to go to confession.

To go to confession was all very well when I was at school; but now.

I know some devotees who are no better than their neighbors. So and so, who goe…

How can the body of Jesus Christ be really present in the Eucharist? It is impo…

I do not need to go to mass: I pray to God just as well at home.

I have no time.

I cannot! It is too difficult.

I should be laughed at! We must not be singular; we must do as others do.

One ought not to be a bigot

A Christian life is too tiresome. It is too melancholy. To deprive oneself of e…

I am not worthy to approach the sacraments: we ought not to abuse holy things.

My sins are too great; it is impossible that God can pardon me.

Youth must pass

Extreme unction kills a sick man. It is enough to frighten him to death. The pr…

I will practice the duties of religion some day, when I am more at leisure. I w…

Conclusion