Plutarch: 'It were better to have no opinion of God at all than such a one as is unworthy of him; for the one is only belief - the other contempt.'

It were better to have no opinion of God at all than such a one as is unworthy of him; for the one is only belief - the other contempt.

In Plutarch's quote, "It were better to have no opinion of God at all than such a one as is unworthy of him; for the one is only belief - the other contempt," he delves into the notions of belief, worthiness, and the potential consequences of holding an unworthy opinion about God. At its core, the quote suggests that it is more favorable to lack a belief in God entirely than to hold a belief that portrays him as unworthy. Plutarch argues that when one forms an unworthy opinion of God, it not only diminishes the magnificence and divinity attributed to him but also fosters contempt towards such a belief.This quote highlights the significance of having a worthy perception of God and the implications it carries. Plutarch emphasizes that an opinion of God, whether positive or negative, is a deeply personal belief that shapes one's worldview and guides their actions. If one were to believe in a benevolent and worthy God, it would encourage reverence, gratitude, and a sense of purpose in life. On the other hand, holding an unworthy opinion that diminishes God's greatness fosters contempt, disrespect, and even rebellion.However, diving deeper into this quote, we can introduce an unexpected philosophical concept that sheds new light on the matter - existentialism. Existentialism suggests that individuals are responsible for creating their own meaning and purpose in life, rather than relying on external factors like religious beliefs. This concept challenges the notion that a belief in God, regardless of its worthiness, is necessary for finding meaning in life.By comparing and contrasting Plutarch's quote with existentialism, we can gain a fresh perspective on the subject. Plutarch emphasizes the importance of having a worthy opinion of God as a means to establish a righteous path in life. However, existentialism suggests that individuals can find fulfillment and significance by constructing their own meaning, independent of religious beliefs or an opinion of God. In this sense, existentialism challenges the idea that a belief or lack thereof in God determines one's outlook on life.It is worth considering the nuances of both perspectives. Plutarch's quote is rooted in the context of a deeply religious society, where the opinion of God held significant influence over people's actions and morality. In contrast, existentialism originated in a more secular context and focuses on individual autonomy and self-determined meaning.While Plutarch's quote promotes the significance of a worthy opinion of God, it is essential to recognize and respect differing philosophical and existential views. This recognition does not negate the wisdom in Plutarch's statement but adds depth to it, allowing for a broader appreciation of the complexity surrounding religious beliefs and individual meaning-making.In conclusion, Plutarch's quote underscores the importance of having a worthy opinion of God, highlighting the reverence it fosters and its impact on one's worldview and behavior. Nevertheless, when examining this quote through the lens of existentialism, a contrasting perspective emerges. Existentialism suggests that individuals can find meaning and purpose independent of religious beliefs, challenging the notion that a belief or lack thereof in God determines one's outlook on life. By considering these different philosophies, we can engage in a more nuanced and inclusive discussion about belief systems, worthiness, and the search for meaning and purpose in our lives.