Religion did not exist for the saving of souls but for the preservation and welfare of society and in all that was necessary to this end every man had to take his part or break with the domestic and political community to which he belonged.

Democracy may have arisen in the West as the way of striving for the universal aspiration to dignity and freedom but it isn't alien to the underlying concepts that infuse religion and moral philosophy everywhere.

That means that every human being - without distinction of sex age race skin color language religion political view or national or social origin - possesses an inalienable and untouchable dignity.

It's not just the effect of technology on the environment on religion on the economic structure on society on politics etc. It's that everything now exists in technology to the point where technology is the new and comprehensive host of nature of life.

I almost got a psychology degree I almost got a philosophy degree. I kept changing it so they couldn't make me graduate. I studied anthropology and eastern religion epistomology and astronomy... I took every interesting course I could find for nine years.

I travel around the world experiencing every language every religion... some places where there's just no reason to smile because their lives are so difficult.

I believe every religion captures a piece of the truth.

History is the key to everything: politics religion even fashion.

In every religion there is an element of the supernatural varying with the influence of pure reason over its devotees.

The Muslims have as everyone else says the right to practice their religion and they have the right to construct a mosque at ground zero if they wish. What I am saying though is that they should listen to public opinion they should listen to the deep wounds and anguish that this is causing to so many good people.

Religion works on some people but not on everyone because it says 'Stop thinking and accept what I tell you.' That's not valid for people who want to think and reflect.

I was little there were times I wanted my parents to be normal. I wanted them to have a religion. I wanted them to have a job like the parents of every other kid I went to school with.

Religion is a candle inside a multicolored lantern. Everyone looks through a particular color but the candle is always there.

I have sung for Americans of every political persuasion and I am proud that I never refuse to sing to an audience no matter what religion or color of their skin or situation in life.

I never close a door on any other religion. Most of the time some part of it makes sense to me. I don't believe everyone has to chant just because I chant. I believe all religion is about touching something inside of yourself.

Every week I get letters from people worldwide who feel that the possibilian point of view represents their understanding better than either religion or neo-atheism.

Every sect is a moral check on its neighbour. Competition is as wholesome in religion as in commerce.

It is then by those shadows of the hoary Past and their fantastic silhouettes on the external screen of every religion and philosophy that we can by checking them as we go along and comparing them trace out finally the body that produced them.

I'm just confused as to where we lost that in America because it is everyone's God-given right to think the way they think and that's fine. That's why our ancestors came here to America to believe what they want pray how they want and follow a religion with whoever they want.

Every society and religion has rules for both have moral laws. And the essence of morality consists as in art of drawing the line somewhere.

You're always going to have extremists in every religion.

There is no religion in which everyday life is not considered a prison there is no philosophy or ideology that does not think that we live in alienation.

In the 21st century I believe the mission of the United Nations will be defined by a new more profound awareness of the sanctity and dignity of every human life regardless of race or religion.

I used to think religion was just more of the same thing. Dump responsibility on the big guy. Now I see an importance in that. It's a relief to accept that not everything is under your control.