The gospel according to Marquis de Sade:

“The idea of God is the sole wrong for which I cannot forgive mankind.”

Obviously, this thought reveals certain presuppositions of the one who penned the statement. It might prove beneficial to consider assumptions regarding the existence or non-existence of God. Perhaps.

But for now, let us not quibble about such things.

I would have to agree with much of why this may have been written.

Quite often, these ideas of God that mankind has come up with are disturbing. Even disgusting. But not all. Many ideas of God twist Him into a despondent, malevolent, and disconnected Being. Some ideas twist Him into the opposite. Few ideas struggle with understanding God as He has revealed Himself.

Are all of these ideas of God equally unforgivable?

Even if these are misconceptions of God?

Perhaps a question that needs to be asked would be something about whether or not our ideas of God match the reality of God. If such a reality is to be grasped.

If one is condemning mankind for ideas of God that misrepresent God, then one might say its unforgivable. Though in this scenario, there remains ample reason to forgive those who have misunderstood. If God exists as He has revealed Himself, then His existence and reality can not be fully grasp by our finite faculties. If such is the case, then it would be wise to recognize such limitations and forgive readily.

If one is condemning humanity for all ideas of the sort, then the condemnation reveals a spirit of hostility that is equally unforgivable. In part, because all perceptions of God are not the same. If God does not exist, then ideas that bring out the worst in mankind might deserve the above sentiment. 

But is it wise to group these ideas with other ideas that bring out the best in mankind?

Perhaps this idea is the sole wrong for which I cannot forgive Marquis de Sade.

But I have good reason to forgive Marquis.

What?

My belief in God.

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