Doubt in the 18th century

[defacto7]

A young man named La Barre who refused to take off his hat to a religious procession, damaged a crucifix, and was in possession of a copy of Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary was tortured and executed for blasphemy in 1766. Voltaire was particularly stung by La Barre's death and rose up against "this sentence so exécrable... so absurd... which is an eternal disgrace to France." Voltaire, though not atheist, became a great leader in stopping violent persecution partly due to this tragedy.

La Barre was 19 years old.


(Not to worry, there's hope in the next century)

[Freelancer]

1. Poor guy. Is it possible to be a martyr to atheism?

Makes me think of something my niece said at Lincoln's tomb: "It's been 150 years. If he hadn't been shot, Lincoln would still be dead." There's a lot wrong with it, but something about it makes you go "Hmm."

She also asked once how the wind can blow all day from the same direction, and there still be any air left over there. ...Hmm.

Maybe on the other side she's related to Steven Wright.

[defacto7]

2. sorry I missed your comment earlier.

I think martyrdom is a reasonable definition for losing ones life in the act of defying forced ideology or defending freedom of thought. So I think there are atheist martyrs.

As for your niece... from simple doubts and observations come amazing insights!