Religions of Error by Ambrose Bierce
"Religions of Error" is a collection of essays and articles written by Ambrose Bierce in the late 19th century. The book explores various religious beliefs and practices, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism, among others. Bierce offers critical and satirical views on these religions, questioning their validity and accuracy. He argues that many religious beliefs are based on superstition, ignorance, and fear, rather than reason and evidence. Through his writing, Bierce challenges readers to think critically about religion and its role in society.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1873 · Genre: Philosophy, Religion & Spirituality, Criticism & Theory · 175 words
First lines
Hearing a sound of strife, a Christian in the Orient asked his Dragoman the cause of it.
"The Buddhists are cutting Mohammedan throats," the Dragoman replied, with oriental composure.
"I did not know," remarked the Christian, with scientific interest, "that that would make so much noise."
"The Mohammedans are cutting Buddhist throats, too," added the Dragoman.
What this Textopian page supports
Religions of Error is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1873 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Fable
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1873 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophy, Religion & Spirituality, Criticism & Theory, History, Satire
- Length: 175 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Religions of Error by Ambrose Bierce
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Religions of Error?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- On Atheism by Hilaire Belloc
- Religious Progress by Ambrose Bierce
- The Christians Faith by Voltairine De Cleyre
- A Career In Letters by Ambrose Bierce
- Civilization by Ambrose Bierce
- Anarchy And Violence by Errico Malatesta
Genres
- Philosophy — The author's work focuses on exploring philosophical errors present in various religions.
- Religion & Spirituality — The book analyzes different religions, assessing their doctrines and practices.
- Criticism & Theory — The book is a critical analysis of religious systems and beliefs.
- History — The writer includes aspects of religious history to support his assertions.
Tags
critique · religious satire · skepticism · agnosticism · atheism · philosophy · history · culture · society · politics · ethics · morality