Discussions by Robert Lewis Dabney, Vol. 4: Secular
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Dabney’s last set of essays, labeled as secular, still contains numerous religious themes throughout. Intertwining recounts of historical figures and events from the American Civil War with theology, many of these essays discuss current issues of the time such as slavery and women’s rights. A narrative of J. B. Baldwin interviewing Abraham Lincoln is included.
Top Highlights
“We must then make up our minds in accepting Women’s Rights to surrender our Bibles, and have an atheistic Government.” (Page 499)
“having received the precious boon of their enfranchisement only by means of the overthrow of the Bible” (Pages 499–500)
“While the State does not authorize the theological beliefs of the Christian citizens, neither has it a right to war against them. While we have no right to ask the State to propagate our theology, we have a right to demand that it shall not oppose it.” (Page 238)
“honestly; money will be wasted, and the schools will become corrupting examples to their own pupils of slighted” (Page 238)
“the last remains of social order will speedily perish, and society will be overwhelmed in savage anarchy.” (Page 502)