A faith is something you die for; a doctrine is something you kill for; there is all the difference in the world

A faith is something you die for; a doctrine is something you kill for; there is all the difference in the world

Tony Benn, a British politician and a staunch advocate for social justice and equality, understood the distinction between faith and doctrine better than most. Throughout his long and illustrious career, Benn consistently stood up for his beliefs and principles, even in the face of adversity and opposition. He was a man of unwavering faith in the power of democracy, socialism, and the inherent goodness of humanity.

For Benn, faith was not just a set of beliefs or principles to be followed blindly; it was a deeply held conviction that guided his actions and decisions. He believed in the power of ordinary people to bring about positive change in society, and he dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of the marginalized and oppressed. Benn's faith in the power of democracy was unshakeable, and he never wavered in his commitment to upholding the principles of justice, equality, and freedom.

On the other hand, Benn understood the dangers of rigid and dogmatic doctrines that seek to impose their beliefs on others through force or coercion. He recognized that when people become so attached to a particular ideology or doctrine that they are willing to kill for it, they lose sight of the true essence of faith and humanity. Benn believed that true faith is something that inspires people to live their lives with compassion, empathy, and a sense of justice, rather than resorting to violence or oppression in the name of a doctrine.

In the context of Tony Benn's life and work, the quote "A faith is something you die for; a doctrine is something you kill for; there is all the difference in the world" takes on a profound meaning. Benn's unwavering faith in the power of democracy and social justice inspired him to dedicate his life to fighting for a better world for all. He understood that true faith is a force for good in the world, while rigid doctrines can lead to division, conflict, and suffering.