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
It is error only, and not truth, that shrinks from inquiry. – Thomas Paine
A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue but moderation in principle is always a vice. – 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