| The usual Christian argument is that suffering in the world is a purification for sin and is therefore a good thing. This argument is, of course, only a rationalization of sadism; but in any case it is a very poor argument. —Bertrand Russell |
Ingersoll’s Birthday August 11, 2006
Posted by Rastaban in : Atheist Culture, Freethinkers, Ingersoll , add a commentRobert Green Ingersoll, one of the most famous progressives of the 19th century, was born August 11, 1833. Following in the tradition of Paine & Jefferson, Ingersoll spent his life as an advocate for progressive causes, becoming arguably America’s greatest orator at a time when oratory was practically the national pastime.
Had he not openly rejected Christianity and God, Ingersoll’s speaking skills would have taken him a long way in the political arena, perhaps to the highest office in the land. Few could match his ability to appeal to both heart and intellect at once.
His books and speeches are still impressive today; they are intelligent and eminently quotable despite the patina of more than a century between his time and ours. (more…)
