Karlheinz Deschner quotes

Karlheinz Deschner was a German author, historian, and outspoken critic of religion, particularly Christianity. His monumental work “Criminal History of Christianity” examined the darker aspects of the Church over two millennia. He dedicated his life to exploring and exposing abuses of religious power. Here are 17 of his quotes:

Many things between Heaven and Earth fill me with wonder; but of all of these, the least wondrous to me are the wonders of Religion. (Karlheinz Deschner)
Empty heads make the best drums. And the emptier the head, the fuller the sound. View quote
Karlheinz Deschner
I can live with the Mysteries; it is the Explanations I cannot bear. View quote
Karlheinz Deschner
Thoughts convince thinkers; for this reason, thoughts convince seldom. View quote
Karlheinz Deschner
Theologian - the only kind of scholar who has no knowledge whatsoever of his supposed object of study. View quote
Karlheinz Deschner
The most irresistible compulsion for me is that of doubt. I have doubts about all, including my own doubtfulness. I believe little, and that not fully. Scepticism is for me not a "fine art" but an integral part of my existence. View quote
Karlheinz Deschner
Free press: all may read whatever is printed. View quote
Karlheinz Deschner
Enlightenment is terror; when you light up the world, you make its filth clearer. View quote
Karlheinz Deschner
At first your religious beliefs are those which were foisted upon you; gradually your religious beliefs become those you deserve. View quote
Karlheinz Deschner
I think, therefore I am ... not a Christian. View quote
Karlheinz Deschner
Whoever writes on world history, but not as a forensic history, becomes thereby an accomplice. (Karlheinz Deschner)
Democracy is the art of cheerfully pulling the wool over the eyes of the people, and doing so in their name. View quote
Karlheinz Deschner
The Christians wrested the Old Testament out of the hands of the Jews and used it as a weapon against them. The belief in their own selection by God was turned into an expression of the absolute and exclusive position of Christianity, and Jewish Messianism was twisted into the doctrine of Christ's return. View quote
Karlheinz Deschner
"I would rather err with the majority than in my own way." So thought St Augustine. I am of the reverse opinion. View quote
Karlheinz Deschner
My scepticism warns me of the danger of becoming a fanatic, a danger which no faith has yet averted. View quote
Karlheinz Deschner
The greater the damage to the roof, the clearer the sight of the stars. View quote
Karlheinz Deschner
The Christian takes Christianity for something it never was: the teachings of Jesus. View quote
Karlheinz Deschner