Short Answers To Common Objections Against Religion
Publisher: International Catholic Truth Society
Published: 1909
Place of publication: Brooklyn, USA
Language: eng
Table of contents: title: Author's Preface 3; title: 1. What have I to do with religion ? I have none, and that does not prevent me enjoying excellent health. 11; title: 2. There is no God 14; title: 3. When one dies, there is an end of everything 19; title: 4. Everything is governed by chance — otherwise there would not be so much disorder on earth. How many things are useless, imperfect, bad ! It is clear that God does not concern himself about us 22; title: 5. Religion is a very good thing for women 31; title: 6. It is enough to be an honest man; that is the best religion of all, and it is enough 32; title: 7. My religion is to do good to others 38; title: 8. Religion, instead of speaking so much of the life to come, ought rather to occupy itself with the present one, and destroy its misery 41; title: 9. We ought to enjoy life; we must have a good time of it; God is too good to have created us for anything but happiness 44; title: 10. The Apostles and early Christians were Communists. They were poor, and had all things in common; they were pursued and hunted down by the civil authorities, just as the Communists are 52; title: 11. There are many learned men and people of mind who do not believe in religion 64; title: 12. Priests make a trade of religion; they do not believe what they preach 60; title: 13. Priests are drones in the hive ! of what use are they ?  62; title: 14. There are certainly some bad priests; how can they be the ministers of God? 65; title: 15. Priests ought to marry. Celibacy is contrary to nature 66; title: 16. I only believe what I comprehend. Can any reasonable man believe all the mysteries of religion? 69; title: 17. I would willingly have faith, but I cannot 72; title: 18. All religions are good 74; title: 19. Is Jesus Christ anything more than a great philosopher, a great benefactor of mankind, a great prophet? Is he really God? 82; title: 20. It is better to be a Protestant than a Catholic; one is just as much a Christian, and it is nearly the same thing 95; title: 21. Protestants have the same gospel that we have 109; title: 22. An honest man ought not to change his religion. We ought to remain in the religion in which we were born Ill; title: 23. The Catholic church has had its day 113; title: 24. For my part, I want the pure gospel — primitive Christianity 116; title: 25. I have my own religion. Every one is free to practice his religion as he understands it; it is a matter that concerns me only, and I serve God in my own way. 119; title: 26. Priests are men like others ; the Pope and the Bishops are men : how can men be infallible ? I am willing to obey God ; but not men like myself 120; title: 27. Out of the pale of the church there is no salvation ! What intolerance ! I cannot admit anything so cruel 123; title: 28. But what have you to say about the massacre of St. Bartholomew ? 126; title: 29. There is no such place as hell ; no one has ever returned thence to prove it 129; title: 30. God is too good to damn me 133; title: 31. God has foreseen from all eternity whether I shall be saved or lost. I may do what I will ; I cannot change my destiny 135; title: 32. It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles the soul. God will never damn me for a morsel of meat. Meat is no worse on Fridays than on other days 138; title: 33. God has no need of my prayers. He knows my wants without my telling them to him 140; title: 34. I pray, and do not obtain what I ask for. I only lose my time 142; title: 35. What have I ever done to offend God that he should send me so much trouble ? 144; title: 36. What is the use of praying to the Virgin Mary ? It is great superstition. Besides, how can she hear us? 145; title: 37. Why are there no more miracles ? 150; title: 38. Why is Latin the language of the Church ? Why use an unknown tongue? 154; title: 39. Priests are always asking for money 156; title: 40. Confession is an invention of the priests 157; title: 41. What is the use of confession? 162; title: 42. I do not need to go to Confession. I have nothing to reproach myself with ; I have neither killed nor robbed any one, nor have I injured any one; I should have nothing to say, 167; title: 43. It is so tiresome to go to confession 171; title: 44. To go to confession was all very well when I was at school; but now 172; title: 45. I know some devotees who are no better than their neighbors. So and so, who goes to confession, is none the better for it 173; title: 46. How can the body of Jesus Christ be really present in the Eucharist ? It is impossible 174; title: 47. I do not need to go to mass : I pray to God just as well at home. 181; title: 48. I have no time 185; title: 49. I cannot ! It is too difficult 188; title: 50. I should be laughed at! We must not be singular ; we must do as others do 192; title: 51. One ought not to be a bigot 197; title: 52. A Christian life is too tiresome. It is too melancholy. To deprive oneself of everything, be afraid of everything, what a life! 199; title: 53. I am not worthy to approach the sacraments: we ought not to abuse holy things 201 54. My sins are too great ; it is impossible that God can pardon me 203; title: 55. Youth must pass 205; title: 56. Extreme unction kills a sick man. It is enough to frighten him to death. The priest should never besent for while consciousness remains 206; title: 57. I will practice the duties of religion some day, when I am more at leisure. I will go to confession by-and-by, on my death-bed. Certainly I will receive the sacraments before I die. 209; title: Conclusion 213