Short Answers to Common Objections Against Religion
Louis Gaston de Segur
59 chapters · 6 h 17 min · English
Read by M.S.C. Lambert, LC, Aaron Cohen, Kerry Adams, Marie Christian, Isaac Barrow, Larry Wilson and others
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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)
Chapters
1 Author's Preface and Publisher's Preface 5 min 2 What have I to do with religion ? I have none, and that does not prevent me enjoying excellent health 6 min 3 There is no God 8 min 4 When one dies, there is an end of everything 7 min 5 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 14 min 6 Religion is a very good thing for women 3 min 7 It is enough to be an honest man; that is the best religion of all, and it is enough 10 min 8 My religion is to do good to others 5 min 9 Religion, instead of speaking so much of the life to come, ought rather to occupy itself with the present one, and destroy its misery 6 min 10 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 16 min 11 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 4 min 12 There are many learned men and people of mind who do not believe in religion 10 min 13 Priests make a trade of religion; they do not believe what they preach 4 min 14 Priests are drones in the hive! Of what use are they? 6 min 15 There are certainly some bad priests; how can they be the ministers of God? 2 min 16 Priests ought to marry. Celibacy is contrary to nature 6 min 17 I only believe what I comprehend. Can any reasonable man believe all the mysteries of religion? 6 min 18 I would willingly have faith, but I cannot 4 min 19 All religions are good 12 min 20 Is Jesus Christ anything more than a great philosopher, a great benefactor of mankind, a great prophet? Is he really God? 24 min 21 It is better to be a Protestant than a Catholic; one is just as much a Christian, and it is nearly the same thing 25 min 22 Protestants have the same gospel that we have 3 min 23 An honest man ought not to change his religion. We ought to remain in the religion in which we were born 4 min 24 The Catholic church has had its day 5 min 25 For my part, I want the pure gospel: primitive Christianity 5 min 26 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 3 min 27 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 4 min 28 Out of the pale of the church there is no salvation! What intolerance! I cannot admit anything so cruel 7 min 29 But what have you to say about the massacre of St. Bartholomew? 5 min 30 There is no such place as hell ; no one has ever returned thence to prove it 9 min 31 God is too good to damn me 4 min 32 God has foreseen from all eternity whether I shall be saved or lost. I may do what I will ; I cannot change my destiny 4 min 33 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 4 min 34 God has no need of my prayers. He knows my wants without my telling them to him 5 min 35 I pray, and do not obtain what I ask for. I only lose my time 2 min 36 What have I ever done to offend God that he should send me so much trouble? 3 min 37 What is the use of praying to the Virgin Mary? It is great superstition. Besides, how can she hear us? 7 min 38 Why are there no more miracles? 7 min 39 Why is Latin the language of the Church? Why use an unknown tongue? 4 min 40 Priests are always asking for money 2 min 41 Confession is an invention of the priests 9 min 42 What is the use of confession? 8 min 43 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 7 min 44 It is so tiresome to go to confession 2 min 45 To go to confession was all very well when I was at school; but now 3 min 46 I know some devotees who are no better than their neighbors. So and so, who goes to confession, is none the better for it 3 min 47 How can the body of Jesus Christ be really present in the Eucharist? It is impossible 13 min 48 I do not need to go to mass: I pray to God just as well at home 7 min 49 I have no time 6 min 50 I cannot! It is too difficult 6 min 51 I should be laughed at! We must not be singular; we must do as others do 9 min 52 One ought not to be a bigot 4 min 53 A Christian life is too tiresome. It is too melancholy. To deprive oneself of everything, be afraid of everything, what a life! 4 min 54 I am not worthy to approach the sacraments: we ought not to abuse holy things 2 min 55 My sins are too great; it is impossible that God can pardon me 4 min 56 Youth must pass 2 min 57 Extreme unction kills a sick man. It is enough to frighten him to death. The priest should never be sent for while consciousness remains 5 min 58 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 8 min 59 Conclusion 3 min
