The Confusion of Christendom
The Confusion of Christendom is a play written by George Bernard Shaw that explores the conflict between science and religion. The story follows a group of scientists who are trying to prove the existence of God through scientific means, while also dealing with their own personal struggles and conflicts. The play raises important questions about faith, reason, and the nature of truth.
By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1907 · Genre: Religious Critique, Philosophical, Essay · 463 words
First lines
Now it is evident that two religions having such contrary effects on mankind should not be confused as they are under a common name. There is not one word of Pauline Christianity in the characteristic utterances of Jesus. When Saul watched the clothes of the men who stoned Stephen, he was not acting upon beliefs which Paul renounced. There is no record of Christ's having ever said to any man: "Go and sin as much as you like: you can put it all on me. " He said "Sin no more," and insisted that he was putting up the standard of conduct, not debasing it, and that the righteousness of the Christian must exceed that of the Scribe and Pharisee. The notion that he was shedding his blood in order that every petty cheat and adulterator and libertine might wallow in it and come out whiter than snow, cannot be imputed to him on his own authority. "I come as an infallible patent medicine for bad consciences" is not one of the sayings in the gospels.
What this Textopian page supports
The Confusion of Christendom is listed on Textopian as a play by George Bernard Shaw, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Play
- Author: George Bernard Shaw
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Critique, Philosophical, Essay, Theological, Historical
- Length: 463 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Confusion of Christendom by George Bernard Shaw
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Religion by George Bernard Shaw
- Jesus Not A Prosletyst by George Bernard Shaw
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Genres
- Religious Critique — The work critically examines the differences between the teachings of Jesus and Pauline Christianity, challenging traditional religious interpretations.
- Philosophical — It explores philosophical themes regarding morality, sin, and the nature of religious belief.
- Essay — The text is structured as an argumentative essay, presenting a coherent argument against the conflation of two distinct religious ideologies.
- Theological — The work delves into theological discussions about the nature of Christ's teachings and their misinterpretations.
Tags
religion · Christianity · philosophy · theology · critique · society · morality · faith · doubt · humanism · conflict · belief