Question with boldness even the existence of God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear.
THOMAS JEFFERSON, Letter to Peter Carr, August 10, 1787*
Of all the systems of religion that ever were invented, there is none more derogatory to the Almighty, more unedifying to man, more repugnant to reason, and more contradictory in itself, than this thing called Christianity. Too absurd for believe, too impossible to convince, and too inconsistent for practice, it renders the heart torpid, or produces only atheists and fanatics. As an engine of power, it serves the purpose of despotism; and as a means of wealth, the avarice of priests; but so far as respects the good of man in general, it leads to nothing here or hereafter.
THOMAS PAINE, The Age of Reason
*Jefferson believed that Jesus was “the greatest of all the reformers of the depraved religion of his own country,” and [the apostle] Paul was the “first corrupter of the doctrines of Jesus.” The words of Jesus he called “diamonds,” and the words of his disciples he called “dung.”
ALAN DERSHOWITZ, Blasphemy: How the Religious Right Is Hijacking Our Declaration of Independence
Photo: from the K. Ryan Jones documentary, Fall From Grace.
