“I suppose it goes without saying that an honest and reasonable person, even if they have the misfortune of doubting the truth of fundamental religious teachings, should not mock them. However, the church constitutions, human laws, ceremonies deemed necessary by some sects, and similar matters regarded as religious doctrines by some should never be ridiculed. Respect is given to what is respectable to others. Let everyone have the freedom to express the ideas we claim. We must remember that what we call enlightenment may appear as darkness to others. One frees others from prejudices that give them peace. You should not strip someone of something without offering something better in return. Let us remember that mocking does not heal; that our minds, which are not yet fully developed, can easily be mistaken on such important matters; that a flawed system forming the basis of good morality cannot be easily overthrown without casting the entire building into the sea; and finally, that such matters are not something companies or associations can easily handle.
But it seems to me that, these days, people deliberately avoid every opportunity to talk about religion. Some are ashamed to show warmth towards worship for fear of not appearing enlightened enough, while others refrain from speaking against the slightest enthusiasm to gain favor by affecting religious sentiments. The former is to fear people, and the latter is hypocrisy; but both are equally worthless to an honest person.”
―
Adolph Von Knigge,
Gesammelte Werke Adolph Freiherr von Knigges
