Intellectual Honour

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Frederick J Gould was Secretary and Organiser at Leicester Secular Hall from 1899 until 1908. He was a prolific writer of books, newspaper, magazine and journal articles for children and adults. The following snippet is from his Stepping-Stones to Agnosticism (no date):


We do not wantonly doubt. We make no boast of the failure of our vision to penetrate the secrets of infinity. Forced by the imperious necessities of reason to renounce the popular faith, we regret our severance from time-honoured churches and their hallowed associations. We would fain enter and join the assembly. But the price of entrance is one that intellectual honour and moral dignity forbid us to pay.

Comments

  1. Harry19 February 2010 at 13:46:00 GMT

    Yes, for many the price is too high - but as in any market I suspect there are many 'members' of the local church who do pay it, putting aside their scepticism to participate in pre-existing community activities - especially in villages where the church plays a bigger role.

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