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 necessary to the happiness of man that he be mentally faithful to himself. Infidelity does not consist in believing, or in disbelieving, it consists in professing to believe what he does not believe. – Thomas Paine
The instant formal government is abolished, society begins to act. A general association takes place, and common interest produces common security. – Thomas Paine
Is it not a species of blasphemy to call the New Testament revealed religion, when we see in it such contradictions and absurdities. – Thomas Paine
Peace should provide security. It should be durable. Im ready to go far in making painful concessions. But there is one thing I will never make any concessions on and thats the security of the Israeli citizens and the very existence of the state of Israel. The Palestinians are losing time. – Ariel Sharon
While we remain a nation decisively shaped by religious faith, our politics and our culture are, in the main, less influenced by movements and arguments of an explicitly Christian character than they were even five years ago. I think this is a good thing – good for our political culture. – Jon Meacham