An Argument Against Abolishing Christianity In Plain and Simple English (Translated)
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Jonathan Swift
Jonathan Swift was born in Dublin in 1667. Although he spent most of his childhood in Ireland, he considered himself English, and, aged twenty-one, moved to England, where he found employment as secretary to the diplomat Sir William Temple. On Temple's death in 1699, Swift returned to Dublin to pursue a career in the Church. By this time he was also publishing in a variety of genres, and between 1704 and 1729 he produced a string of brilliant satires, of which Gulliver's Travels is the best known. Between 1713 and 1742 he was Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin; he was buried there when he died in 1745.
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An Argument Against Abolishing Christianity In Plain and Simple English (Translated) - Jonathan Swift
About This Series
The Classic Retold
series started as a way of telling classics for the modern reader—being careful to preserve the themes and integrity of the original. Whether you want to understand Shakespeare a little more or are trying to get a better grasps of the Greek classics, there is a book waiting for you!
Written in the year 1708
Comparative Version
I AM very sensible what a weakness and presumption it is to reason against the general humour and disposition of the world. I remember it was with great justice, and a due regard to the freedom, both of the public and the press, forbidden upon several penalties to write, or discourse, or lay wagers against the — even before it was confirmed by Parliament; because that was looked upon as a design to oppose the current of the people, which, besides the folly of it, is a manifest breach of the fundamental law, that makes this majority of opinions the voice of God. In like manner, and for the very same reasons, it may perhaps be neither safe nor prudent to argue against the abolishing of Christianity, at a juncture when all parties seem so unanimously determined upon the point, as we cannot but allow from their actions, their discourses, and their writings. However, I know not how, whether from the affectation of singularity, or the perverseness of human nature, but so it unhappily falls out, that I cannot be entirely of this opinion. Nay, though I were sure an order were issued for my immediate prosecution by the Attorney-General, I should still confess, that in the present posture of our affairs at home or abroad, I do not yet see the absolute necessity of extirpating the Christian religion from among us.
I realize how difficult it is to attempt to speak out against the tide of public opinion. I remember that it was forbidden, quite rightly, and with proper regard for the freedom of the public and the press, to write, speak out or place bets against… even before Parliament confirmed it in law. It was regarded as a plan to go against the will of the people, so besides its own stupidity it was in clear breach of the natural law which makes public opinion the same as the voice of God. In the same way, and for exactly the same reasons, it might not be safe or sensible to try and argue against the abolition of Christianity. This is especially true when everyone seems so keen on the idea, as we can see clearly from their actions, their speeches and their writing. However, I don't know why, whether it's because I like to be different, or human nature is naturally argumentative, but I can't entirely agree with this opinion. Even if I was certain that the attorney general would instantly order that I be prosecuted, I would still have to say that in the current state of affairs both at home and abroad, I have yet to be convinced that it is entirely necessary to abolish the Christian religion.
This perhaps may appear too great a paradox even for our wise and paxodoxical age to endure; therefore I shall handle it with all tenderness, and with the utmost deference to that great and profound majority which is of another sentiment.
It may be that my opinion is too bizarre for even this bizarre and wise time to tolerate; so I shall be very careful what I say, and show all due respect to the great majority who disagree with me.
And yet the curious may please to observe, how much the genius of a nation is liable to alter in half an age. I have heard it affirmed for certain by some very odd people, that the contrary opinion was even in their memories as much in vogue as the other is now; and that a project for the abolishing of Christianity would then have appeared as singular, and been thought as absurd, as it would be at this time to write or discourse in its defence.
However, those who are curious might like to observe how much the mind of a nation can change in just half a lifetime. I have heard some very odd people say that within living memory the opposite opinion was just as fashionable as the other one is now. At that