What is the origin of the phrase, "Kill them all, let God sort them out"?

March 26, 2004 9:49 AM

Did "Kill 'em all, let God sort 'em out" originate in the Vietnam War?
posted by Shane to Grab Bag (4 answers total)

In spirit, at least, it goes back to the early 13th century.
posted by kickingtheground at 10:07 AM on March 26, 2004

it's often erroneously attributed to Patton, but the "Kill them all, for surely God will know his own" generally considered the source of the sentiment is attributed to an Abbot of Citeaux during the Crusades, Arnaud-Amaury.
posted by crush-onastick at 10:57 AM on March 26, 2004

Response by poster: Thanks. The phrase has a pretty interesting history. I assumed Vietnam, as there was that little problem of differentiating the civilians from the enemy...
posted by Shane at 11:45 AM on March 26, 2004

Two words: Duke Nuke-Em. No really, stick with the experts.
posted by notsnot at 10:47 PM on March 26, 2004