What is Mark Twain's religion?

Answer 1

No one ever asked Mark Twain what his religion was and we are left trying to determine this from his writings and activities. His quotes are presented frequently on atheist quotes sites and much of his writings are aimed at showing the fallacies and faults of organized religion particularly the Christian religion. Many in the "Twain was a Christian" camp indicate that he periodically attended church and was familiar with scripture as "proof". This may have been simply compliance with the customs and social conventions of the time and the frequent use of Christian stories in public speaking.

His family abetted this confusion by hiding his more religion antagonistic writings such as "Letters From the Earth" from the public, leaving them unpublished.

His points on several issues was clear from his writing:

• he was sometimes critical of organized religion and certain elements of Christianity he was critical of "faith healing"
• he did not believe in any messages, revelations, holy scriptures such as The Bible, Providence, or retribution in the afterlife.
• he stated that "if our Maker is all-powerful for good or evil, He is not in His right mind." he stated that "God ... was indifferent to humanity, which was too petty and insignificant to deserve His attention anyway.
• he criticized the actions of missionaries in China
• His story "Little Bessie" ridicules Christianity, "Adam's Diary" and "Eve's Diary" underscore many problems wit the Biblical Creation story.

Answer 2

Mark Twain was raised as a Presbyterian, but he became critical of organized religion later in life and identified as a Unitarian. He often expressed skepticism towards traditional religious beliefs and institutions in his writing.

Answer 3

In the story Christian Science by Mark Twain he makes a lot of fun of Christian Science's beliefs and practices. This suggests that he was not a member.