"Every nut who kills people has a Bible lying around. If you're looking for violent rape imagery, the Bible's right there in your hotel room. If you just want to look up ways to screw people up, there it is, and you're justified because God told you to"
- Penn Jillette
About this Quote
In this quote, Penn Jillette, a widely known magician, performer, and outspoken atheist, criticizes the method religious texts, particularly the Bible, are often misused to validate violent or unethical actions. Jillette explains that the Bible, like lots of spiritual texts, includes passages that can be interpreted as backing violence or other negative habits. His observation speaks to the selective reading and analysis of bible by people who might already have hazardous intents or mental instability ("every nut who eliminates individuals").
Jillette's recommendation to the Bible being "right there in your hotel space" mentions the universality of the text, as Gideon Bibles are commonly discovered in hotel spaces across the United States. This widespread availability can suggest that these texts are easily accessible for misuse by those looking for reason for their actions.
The expression "If you're looking for violent rape imagery" highlights Jillette's belief that the Bible contains stories and passages that illustrate or implicitly sanction such acts. This questionable perspective recommends that, while the Bible provides moral assistance for numerous, it also consists of complex narratives that can be analyzed in harmful ways.
Jillette's expression "you're justified since God informed you to" records his crucial view of those who claim divine endorsement for actions that are plainly immoral or harmful. This reflects a more comprehensive criticism typically focused on religious fundamentalism, where individuals assert that their actions are supported or commanded by a higher power, consequently absolving themselves of individual responsibility.
In general, Jillette's quote can be viewed as a critique of religious literalism and the dangers of taking bible out of context to validate violent or unethical behavior. It challenges readers to think about the ramifications of how religious texts are translated and the potential real-world repercussions.
This quote is written / told by Penn Jillette somewhere between March 5, 1955 and today. He/she was a famous Entertainer from USA.
The author also have 20 other quotes.