Religion as stalking-horse

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Often appears with: religious persecution and toleration · pharisees · judas iscariot · hypocrisy and the appearance of virtue · heathens

Usually: argument (1) · censure (1) · skepticism (1)

The Pilgrim's Progress from this world to that which is to come primary

John Bunyan · c. 1675–1677 (Part 1 composed and issued as a complete work; Part 2 followed later)
(64/100)

Christian refutes the “stalking-horse” logic behind using religion for gain, citing biblical examples of heathens, hypocrites, Judas, and Simon, and the company falls silent before moving on past a perilous silver mine.

daughter and their cattle were that which they sought to obtain, and their religion the stalking-horse they made use of to come at them. Read the whole story. [Gen. 34:20-23] {262} 2. The hypocritical Pharisees were also of this religion; long prayers were their pretence, but to get widows' houses was their intent; and greater damnation was from God their judgment. [Luke 20:46-47] {263} 3. Judas the devil was also …