Thomas Paine: “Toleration is not the opposite of Intolerance, but is the counterfeit of it.”

As to what are called national religions, we may, with as much propriety, talk of national Gods.

In those which proceed from the former cause, the temper becomes incensed and soured; and the redress, obtained by danger, is too often sullied by revenge.

It is only those who have not thought that appear to agree.

But as religion is very improperly made a political machine, and the reality of it is thereby destroyed, I will conclude this work with stating in what light religion appears to me.