Short Answers to Common Objections Against Religion
Louis Gaston de Segur
Play
Length 6 h 17 min
Chapters 58
First published 1908
A neat little book of answers to a number of objections and arguments frequently urged by the opponents of the Catholic Church. It first treats a few of the objections urged against all religion and Christianity in general by freethinkers; and then takes up those of Protestants against the Church; closing with some excuses pleaded by Catholics to reconcile the opposition existing between their belief and their practice. Mgr de Segur is direct brief and persuasive with a tendency to infuse occasionally a little pungency into the retorts to the adversary. (Adapted from The Catholic World, 1909)
Chapters
1
Author's Preface and Publisher's Preface Read by M.S.C. Lambert, LC 4:31
2
There is no God. Read by M.S.C. Lambert, LC 8:30
3
When one dies, there is an end of everything. Read by M.S.C. Lambert, LC 6:36
4
Everything is governed by chance - otherwise there would not be so much disorder on earth. How many things are useless, imperfect, bad ! It is clear that God does not concern himself about us. Read by Aaron Cohen 14:11
5
Religion is a very good thing for women. Read by Kerry Adams 3:28
6
It is enough to be an honest man; that is the best religion of all, and it is enough. Read by Marie Christian 10:19
7
My religion is to do good to others. Read by Marie Christian 5:22
8
Religion, instead of speaking so much of the life to come, ought rather to occupy itself with the present one, and destroy its misery. Read by Marie Christian 5:42
9
We ought to enjoy life; we must have a good time of it; God is too good to have created us for anything but happiness. Read by Marie Christian 16:23
10
The Apostles and early Christians were Communists. They were poor, and had all things in common; they were pursued and hunted down by the civil authorities, just as the Communists are. Read by M.S.C. Lambert, LC 4:06
11
There are many learned men and people of mind who do not believe in religion. Read by Isaac Barrow 9:53
12
Priests make a trade of religion; they do not believe what they preach. Read by Isaac Barrow 3:53
13
Priests are drones in the hive! Of what use are they? Read by Isaac Barrow 5:47
14
There are certainly some bad priests; how can they be the ministers of God? Read by Isaac Barrow 1:53
15
Priests ought to marry. Celibacy is contrary to nature. Read by Isaac Barrow 6:03
16
I only believe what I comprehend. Can any reasonable man believe all the mysteries of religion? Read by Larry Wilson 6:01
17
I would willingly have faith, but I cannot. Read by Larry Wilson 4:10
18
All religions are good Read by BrentPatrick 11:52
19
Is Jesus Christ anything more than a great philosopher, a great benefactor of mankind, a great prophet? Is he really God? Read by BrentPatrick 24:30
20
It is better to be a Protestant than a Catholic; one is just as much a Christian, and it is nearly the same thing Read by KevinS 25:24
21
Protestants have the same gospel that we have Read by KevinS 2:33
22
An honest man ought not to change his religion. We ought to remain in the religion in which we were born Read by KevinS 3:51
23
The Catholic church has had its day Read by KevinS 4:38
24
For my part, I want the pure gospel — primitive Christianity Read by KevinS 4:46
25
I have my own religion. Every one is free to practice his religion as he understands it; it is a matter that concerns me only, and I serve God in my own way. Read by De Anna Lee 3:13
26
Priests are men like others; the Pope and the Bishops are men: how can men be infallible? I am willing to obey God; but not men like myself Read by VO Gal 4:03
27
Out of the pale of the church there is no salvation! What intolerance! I cannot admit anything so cruel Read by M.S.C. Lambert, LC 6:34
28
But what have you to say about the massacre of St. Bartholomew? Read by Kerry Adams 5:22
29
There is no such place as hell ; no one has ever returned thence to prove it Read by Marie Christian 9:05
30
God is too good to damn me Read by Marie Christian 4:21
31
God has foreseen from all eternity whether I shall be saved or lost. I may do what I will ; I cannot change my destiny Read by De Anna Lee 4:14
32
It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles the soul. God will never damn me for a morsel of meat. Meat is no worse on Fridays than on other days Read by De Anna Lee 3:51
33
God has no need of my prayers. He knows my wants without my telling them to him. Read by Larry Wilson 4:49
34
I pray, and do not obtain what I ask for. I only lose my time. Read by De Anna Lee 2:15
35
What have I ever done to offend God that he should send me so much trouble? Read by Larry Wilson 3:15
36
What is the use of praying to the Virgin Mary? It is great superstition. Besides, how can she hear us? Read by KevinS 7:07
37
Why are there no more miracles? Read by ArielStrike 7:16
38
Why is Latin the language of the Church? Why use an unknown tongue? Read by De Anna Lee 3:31
39
Priests are always asking for money. Read by Hope 2:08
40
Confession is an invention of the priests. Read by Marie Christian 9:25
41
What is the use of confession? Read by Marie Christian 7:39
42
I do not need to go to Confession. I have nothing to reproach myself with ; I have neither killed nor robbed any one, nor have I injured any one; I should have nothing to say. Read by Marie Christian 6:34
43
It is so tiresome to go to confession. Read by Phil Schrimsher 2:05
44
To go to confession was all very well when I was at school; but now. Read by De Anna Lee 3:25
45
I know some devotees who are no better than their neighbors. So and so, who goes to confession, is none the better for it. Read by PlagueMonk 2:54
46
How can the body of Jesus Christ be really present in the Eucharist? It is impossible. Read by Marie Christian 12:54
47
I do not need to go to mass: I pray to God just as well at home. Read by Marie Christian 6:35
48
I have no time. Read by De Anna Lee 5:58
49
I cannot! It is too difficult. Read by PlagueMonk 5:44
50
I should be laughed at! We must not be singular; we must do as others do. Read by M.S.C. Lambert, LC 9:19
51
One ought not to be a bigot Read by Larry Wilson 4:08
52
A Christian life is too tiresome. It is too melancholy. To deprive oneself of everything, be afraid of everything, what a life! Read by Larry Wilson 4:08
53
I am not worthy to approach the sacraments: we ought not to abuse holy things. Read by Larry Wilson 2:03
54
My sins are too great; it is impossible that God can pardon me. Read by Larry Wilson 4:21
55
Youth must pass Read by VO Gal 2:18
56
Extreme unction kills a sick man. It is enough to frighten him to death. The priest should never be sent for while consciousness remains. Read by cvoorheis 4:55
57
I will practice the duties of religion some day, when I am more at leisure. I will go to confession by-and-by, on my death-bed. Certainly I will receive the sacraments before I die. Read by cvoorheis 8:28
58
Conclusion Read by Larry Wilson 3:00
From LibriVox, read by volunteers and in the public domain. LibriVox page (opens librivox.org) , the text (opens archive.org) , all files on the Internet Archive (opens archive.org) .
