Christians, it is needless to say, utterly detest each other. They slander each other constantly with the vilest forms of abuse and cannot come to any sort of agreement in their teaching. Each sect brands its own, fills the head of its own with deceitful nonsense, and makes perfect little pigs of those it wins over to its side."
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
2006-12-19 03:59:01 · 12 answers · asked by badferret 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Great quotes from enlightened men that know what true spirituality is.
2006-12-19 04:02:52 · answer #1 · answered by Guardian Knight777 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Sounds like the blind men describing the elephant - they all describe only the part they can touch, and refuse to accept any other definition.
So yeah, religion has done many bad things - but it can also do very good things, so this stereotype is just that, a stereotype. The point is to try and see the whole picture (not just the bad or the good) and learn how to use that as a guide
2006-12-19 12:03:24 · answer #2 · answered by teresathegreat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I love Thomas Paine. Did you know he died in obscurity and was pretty much ignored by all his former friends like Thomas Jefferson. Benj Rush even refused to accept his calls towards the end.
I wish there were a heaven so I could give Mr. Paine a hug and a thank you.
2006-12-19 12:11:31 · answer #3 · answered by Black Parade Billie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reason and Ignorance, the opposites of each other, influence the great bulk of mankind. If either of these can be rendered sufficiently extensive in a country, the machinery of Government goes easily on. Reason obeys itself; and Ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it
Thomas Paine
2006-12-19 12:07:51 · answer #4 · answered by Sara 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a Christian, I'll forgive you for your offensive overgeneralization; but I would challenge you to remember (a) Christians are human, (b) non-Christians are no better and (c) Some Christians have really had a powerful, positive, impact on the course of world events, and in individual lives.
In fact, this type of leading question (if that was indeed what you intended -- please forgive me if not) only serve to polarize people and cause more hatred and mistrust. Please ask yourself whether it was really worth it, or are you, or Mr. Paine, any better than those you despise?
2006-12-19 12:42:34 · answer #5 · answered by ddddan1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fair appraisal.
Of course, government does the same thing too!
One day you will get a picture of your smiley face, complete with a clear image of your license plate and next to it will be a radar clocking of you doing 80 in a 65 zone and a ticket for reckless driving will accompany it.
BIG BROTHER is watching you!
2006-12-19 12:03:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Bravo
2006-12-19 12:05:32 · answer #7 · answered by Sean 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not a surprising quote from a self-proclaimed deist.
Find me a similar quote from, say, Billy Graham and then we'll talk.
2006-12-19 12:03:02 · answer #8 · answered by Suzanne: YPA 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm gonna have to agree with both of them, especially the first one.
2006-12-19 12:04:51 · answer #9 · answered by mutterhalls 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Paine was one of the good ones!
2006-12-19 12:06:26 · answer #10 · answered by STFU Dude 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋