A. A. Milne - Religious Views

Religious Views

Milne did not speak out much on the subject of religion, although he used religious terms to explain his decision, while remaining a pacifist, to join the army: "In fighting Hitler", he wrote, "we are truly fighting the Devil, the Anti-Christ ... Hitler was a crusader against God." His best known comment on the subject was recalled on his death:

The Old Testament is responsible for more atheism, agnosticism, disbelief—call it what you will—than any book ever written; it has emptied more churches than all the counter-attractions of cinema, motor bicycle and golf course.

He also wrote:

Elizabeth Ann

Said to her Nan:

"Please will you tell me how God began?

Somebody must have made Him. So

Who could it be, 'cos I want to know?"

—A.A. Milne's poem "Explained"