244 WHAT IS LIFE ? 



that, as individuals and nations become more sceptical, they become 

 more moral. Thus, for instance, an implicit belief in the inspiration 

 of the Old Testament perverted the moral sense to such an extent 

 that the most monstrous cruelties were inflicted in the name of religion. 

 Murders, adulteries, witchcraft, religious wars and persecutions, all 

 found their origin and excuse in texts either expressly enjoining them, 

 or showing that they formed part of the character and conduct of 

 men ' after Jehovah's own heart.' We no longer burn heretics, torture 

 old women, or hew captives in pieces before the Lord. Why ? 

 Because we have become sceptical, and no longer believe in the Bible 

 as an infallible record of God's word. When we find anything in it 

 contrary either to the facts of science or to the moral instincts of the 

 age in which we live, we quietly ignore it ; and, instead of trying 

 Science and Morality, as our forefathers did, at the bar of Inspiration, 

 we reverse the process and bring Religion before the bar of 

 Reason. 



" Is the world better or worse for this latest phase of its evolution P 

 Is it more or less tolerant, humane, liberal-minded, charitable, than 

 it was in the ages of superstitious faith ? The answer is not doubtful, 

 and it confirms my position that, as a matter of fact, as we have 

 become more sceptical we have become more moral." ("Problems of 

 the Future," S. Laing, 1894, p. 206.) 



