As a first approximation, I define "belief" not as the object of believing (a dogma, a program, etc.) but as read more

As a first approximation, I define "belief" not as the object of believing (a dogma, a program, etc.) but as the subject's investment in a proposition, the act of saying it and considering it as true.

We send missionaries to China so the Chinese can get to heaven, but we won't let them into our country.

We send missionaries to China so the Chinese can get to heaven, but we won't let them into our country.

If "everybody knows" such-and-such, then it ain't so, by at least ten thousand to one.

If "everybody knows" such-and-such, then it ain't so, by at least ten thousand to one.

Sermons are like pie-crust, the shorter the better.

Sermons are like pie-crust, the shorter the better.

All human discoveries seem to be made only for the purpose of confirming more and more strongly the truths that read more

All human discoveries seem to be made only for the purpose of confirming more and more strongly the truths that come on high and are contained in the sacred writings.

Morality is of the highest importance - but for us, not for God.

Morality is of the highest importance - but for us, not for God.

The church is the only place where someone speaks to me and I do not have to answer back.

The church is the only place where someone speaks to me and I do not have to answer back.

A civilization is destroyed only when its gods are destroyed.

A civilization is destroyed only when its gods are destroyed.

I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand read more

I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours.