02201cam a22003133u 4500 36268 UtSlPG 20260610133828.0 m cr n 260607r2011||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 BL Bradlaugh, Charles, 1833-1891 Heresy: Its Utility And Morality. A Plea And A Justification Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2011 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2011-05-29 Produced by David Widger "Heresy: Its Utility And Morality. A Plea And A Justification" by Charles Bradlaugh is a philosophical treatise written in the late 19th century. This work critically examines the concept of heresy, arguing for its potential benefits in promoting progress and intellectual freedom in society. Bradlaugh seeks to highlight the often unjust persecution faced by those labeled as heretics, advocating for a more understanding and supportive outlook toward dissenting opinions. The opening of the book sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of the nature of heresy, questioning why society is more lenient towards other forms of misconduct while being harsh towards heretics. Bradlaugh argues that many who follow orthodox beliefs do so out of inherited conviction rather than personal inquiry, and he emphasizes that heretics—through their quest for truth—play a crucial role in advancing knowledge and political freedom. The author provides historical examples of prominent figures who were initially branded as heretics, suggesting that the intolerance of ideas can hinder progress rather than foster it. Overall, the beginning establishes a compelling rationale for considering heresy as an essential component of societal advancement. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Free thought Heresy https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/36268 77108 77108