Voltaire and the Bible

Voltaire [Francois Marie Arouet]
1694 - 1778
French Author/Philosopher

Francois Marie Arouet was born in Paris, France on November 21, 1694. He studied law but chose to devote his genius to literature. In 1717, his writings and satirical spoofs on French authorities entitled him to an 11-month “residence” in a “suite” in the famous Bastille prison. There he wrote a theatrical tragedy entitled, “Oepide” using the pen name VOLTAIRE.

He became successful in creating theatrical plays but his unbridled tongue led him to trouble once again. In 1726 he insulted a powerful nobleman and caused him to be exiled to England where he lived from 1726 to 1729. The freedom and religious tolerance he enjoyed in England impressed Voltaire and wished that the same environment pervades in his native land, France.

The French Philosopher was a bold advocate of basic freedoms we enjoy today:

1. Freedom of speech
2. Freedom of the press
3. Freedom of assembly
4. Freedom of religion

Voltaire is considered an intellectual giant in his time and one of the most famous French writers in history. His most famous philosophical book, Dictionnaire Philosophique, showed his aversion to Christianity and opposition to the Bible. Voltaire claimed that the Bible was a product of imagination and that Jesus had never existed but was invented by men who claimed that he is God.

Voltaire is well quoted for his famous sayings such as:

1. ‘Common sense is not so common’

2. ‘A witty saying proves nothing’

3. ‘One hundred years from my day there will not be a Bible in the earth except one that is looked upon by an antiquarian curiosity seeker ’

Two hundred years have passed and we still have the Bible. It remains the bestseller of all time and translated in almost all human languages whether modern or archaic language. It is available in printed matter, CDs, cassettes, e-books, in html, MP3 and other formats beyond Voltaire's imagination.

Many Voltaires have lived and died in our lifetime and expect more come. But I am sure that their combined brilliance and influence could not outshine the Bible of Christianity.