The instant we admit that a book is too sacred to be doubted, or even reasoned about, we are mental serfs. It is infinitely absurd to suppose that a god would address a communication to intelligent beings, and yet make it a crime, to be punished in eternal flames, for them to use their intelligence for the purpose of understanding his communication. If we have the right to use our reason, we certainly have the right to act in accordance with it, and no god can have the right to punish us for such action.

Robert Green Ingersoll (1833–1899) American lawyer, freethinker, orator

Lecture (1872-01-29), “The Gods,” Fairbury Hall, Fairbury, Illinois
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First given on the 135th birthday of Thomas Paine. Collected in The Gods and Other Lectures (1876).