When the churches literally ruled society, the human drama encompassed: (a) slavery; (b) the cruel subjection of women; (c) the most savage forms of legal punishment; (d) the absurd belief that kings ruled by divine right; (e) the daily imposition of physical abuse; (f) cold heartlessness for the sufferings of the poor; as well as (g) assorted pogroms ('ethnic cleansing' wars) between rival religions, capital punishment for literally hundreds of offenses, and countless other daily imposed moral outrages : it was the free-thinking, challenging work by people of conscience, who almost invariably had to defy the religious and political status quo of their times, that brought us out of such darkness.

We are entitled to make almost any reasonable assumption, but should resist making conclusions until evidence requires that we do so.

Allen, Steve. Steve Allen on the Bible, Religion, and Morality (1990). ISBN 0879756381.

Totalitarianism is patriotism institutionalized.

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The one distinct feature of our Association has been the right of the individual opinion for every member. We have been beset at every step with the cry that s…