In isolated societies creeds can be preserved. It is where people of different traditions, outlook and creeds mingle freely and read more

In isolated societies creeds can be preserved. It is where people of different traditions, outlook and creeds mingle freely and exchange ideas that religious beliefs begin to be eroded. No one changes his beliefs without some instigation, some novel experience, some modification of the customary course of things, and in a closed society people believe what all their fellows obviously believe. Only when they are brought into contact with persons whom they respect holding different views do they begin to look at their inherited beliefs critically.

There are three things that can destroy a preacher, the glory, the gold, and the girls.

There are three things that can destroy a preacher, the glory, the gold, and the girls.

One should not stand at the foot of a sick person's bed, because that place is reserved for the guardian read more

One should not stand at the foot of a sick person's bed, because that place is reserved for the guardian angel.

At the core of every moral code there is a picture of human nature, a map of the universe, and read more

At the core of every moral code there is a picture of human nature, a map of the universe, and a version of history. To human nature (of the sort conceived), in a universe (of the kind imagined), after a history (so understood), the rules of the code apply.

God brings men into deep waters not to drown them, but to cleanse them.

God brings men into deep waters not to drown them, but to cleanse them.

Life is a tightrope with God at the end. If we walk with our eyes down, looking at what is read more

Life is a tightrope with God at the end. If we walk with our eyes down, looking at what is happening right now in our lives, we are likely to waver and fall. However, if we focus at the end of the rope, where God and Heaven await us, we can see past all of the petty troubles this present life and walk more steadily. We may sometimes still stumble, but if we get back up and train our eyes on God once again, He will guide us to the end.

Only the sinner has a right to preach.

Only the sinner has a right to preach.

Religion is the idol of the mob; it adores everything it does not understand.

Religion is the idol of the mob; it adores everything it does not understand.

Fear prophets and those prepared to die for the truth, for as a rule they make many others die with read more

Fear prophets and those prepared to die for the truth, for as a rule they make many others die with them, often before them, at times instead of them.