David Hume relished each opportunity to ridicule the Christian faith according to his rationalistic presuppositions.
I believe, indeed, that there is no tenet in all paganism which would give so fair a scope to ridicule as this of the real presence. For it is so absurd, that it eludes the force of all argument. There are even some pleasant stories of that kind, which, though somewhat profane, are commonly told by the Catholics themselves. One day, a priest, it is said, gave inadvertently, instead of the sacrament, a counter, which had by accident fallen among the holy wafers. The communicant waited patiently for some time, expecting it would dissolve on his tongue; but finding that it still remained entire, he took it off. I wish, cried he to the priest, you have not committed some mistake. I wish you have not given me God the Father: He is so hard and tough there is no swallowing him” (David Hume, Natural History of Religion, chapter 12, 1757).
Well, the
legacyphilosophy of this rather portly fellow has been long since dismissed for its assumptions of a naturalistic worldview while the Christian faith (and the doctrine of the bodily presence) still marches on — even in an age of science and discovery. So what else is there to do but laugh about this charming little story that Hume has handed down.(HT: Onwards Fowards)
fraiser
it think that God must laugh a lot. because look at how many men were like Hume.
but to be completely fair to Hume, i actually agree with some of his conclusions. for instance, i think that his points about past past leading to future past can never “prove” future past will lead to future future.
pb
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Uri
Nice.