AMEN! Matthew 6:6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Thomas Paine also is quoted as saying:
* Each of those churches show certain books, which they call revelation, or the word of God. The Jews say, that their word of God was given by God to Moses, face to face; the Christians say, that their word of God came by divine inspiration: and the Turks say, that their word of God (the Koran) was brought by an angel from Heaven. Each of those churches accuse the other of unbelief; and for my own part, I disbelieve them all.

* 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 did not believe the resurrection; and, as they say, would not believe without having ocular and manual demonstration himself. So neither will I; and the reason is equally as good for me, and for every other person, as for Thomas.

* Whenever we read the obscene stories the voluptuous debaucheries, the cruel and torturous executions, the unrelenting vindictiveness with which more than half the bible is filled, it would be more consistent that we call it the word of a demon rather than the word of God. It is a history of wickedness that has served to corrupt and brutalize mankind; and, for my part, I sincerely detest it as I detest everything that is cruel.

(From The Age of Reason Part I (1793): Being an Investigation of True and Fabulous Theology was written in three parts; Part I was composed during 1792 and 1793 and published in 1794; Part II written in 1794 after Paine was released from French prison, and published in 1795; Part III written in the 1790s and published in 1807, after initially delaying publication in 1802, on the advice of Thomas Jefferson. Part I - Part II)

Yes, have a fine day BahamaSun

So, like many quotes I think I would probably want to consider the source, consider the audience that will be listening to the quotes, and ask yourself this question: "does the quote violate any higher principle?"- Like is it true that God sees his children through the blood of Christ's atonement? (yes, it is true!) So did Thomas Paine Believe that? (no, he did not!) Do I believe that? (I'm doing my best to remember it!)

When you wake up, praise god. give thanks, tell im about stuff. Expect it to get handled if it that is his will.

Although it is not in our vision statement anymore, we prefer original thoughts, rather than cutting and pasting, other than the Bible, of course.

From my understanding, Thomas Paine was a deist, who did not believe in Jesus. Many people from different religions talk about "God" but what is necessary is a to believe that Jesus is Lord and to confess with your mouth, along with repentance. I would appreciate it, if we could find quotes from Christians, or better yet, voice your own personal feelings, preferably backed up with Scripture verses. Thanks, Angela.

Actually, I liked Bahama Sun's quote, and it was correct, even if its author was incorrect about many other things. Truth is truth, I don't mind where I find it. However, I can see why it's safer on thie site if we stick to the Bible and Our Lord's wisdom on things, we don't want to get too far afield or secular here. Also, I love to read people's real feelings, real-life happenings, and about their faith, hope, or love of God and others. Always inspiring. I understand where Tom and Angela are coming from. Thanks, all Judy