All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit. – Thomas Paine
What at first was plunder assumed the softer name of revenue. – Thomas Paine
There are matters in the Bible, said to be done by the express commandment of God, that are shocking to humanity and to every idea we have of moral justice. – Thomas Paine
Persecution is not an original feature in any religion but it is always the strongly marked feature of all religions established by law. – Thomas Paine