"Nobody, certainly, will deny that the idea of the existence of an omnipotent, just, and omnibeneficent personal God is able to accord man solace, help, and guidance; also, by virtue of its simplicity it is accessible to the most undeveloped mind. But, on the other hand, there are decisive weaknesses attached to this idea in itself, which have been painfully felt since the beginning of history. That is, if this being is omnipotent, then every occurrence, including every human action, every human thought, and every human feeling and aspiration is also His work; how is it possible to think of holding men responsible for their deeds and thoughts before such an almighty Being? In giving out punishment and rewards He would to a certain extent be passing judgment on Himself. How can this be combined with the goodness and righteousness ascribed to Him? The main source of the present-day conflicts between the spheres of religion and of science lies in this concept of a personal God."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Imported from EN Wikiquote
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Albert_Einstein
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Albert Einstein
1879 – 1955
deutsch-schweizerischer Physiker und Nobelpreisträger
614 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Albert Einstein →
Related Quotes
"Clarity about the aims and problems of socialism is of greatest significance in our age of transition. Since, under p…"
"It is an irony of fate that myself have been the recipient of excessive admiration and reverence from my fellow-being…"
"There is no provision that all those able and willing to work will always be in a position to find employment; an “ar…"
"Technological progress frequently results in more unemployment rather than in an easing of the burden of work for all…"
"Production is carried on for profit, not for use. There is no provision that all those able and willing to work will …"
"Man ska inte buga för dumheten bara för att den är gammal."
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds."
"Einstein did not consider the concept of 'determinism' to be as fundamental as it is frequently held to be (as he tol…"
"It is true that many mathematicians and physicists do their best work when young. But in Einstein's later work we see…"
"The man who was best known for his legendary struggle with the most inaccessible and recondite theories... was—and to…"