Founding fathers atheist Quotes · Page 2

Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent.

— Epicurus

Nothing is more dreaded than the national government meddling with religion.

— John Adams

Erecting the 'wall of separation between church and state'... is absolutely essential in a free society.

— Thomas Jefferson

The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity.

— John Adams

Let us with Caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.

— George Washington

Everyone must act according to the dictates of his own reason.

— Thomas Jefferson

We have abundant reason to rejoice that in this Land the light of truth and reason has triumphed over the power of…

— George Washington

To talk of immaterial existences is to talk of nothings. To say that the human soul, angels, god, are immaterial, is to…

— Thomas Jefferson

Every one must act according to the dictates of his own reason, and mine tells me that civil powers alone have been…

— Thomas Jefferson

But how has it happened that millions of fables, tales, legends have been blended with both Jewish and Christian revelation that have…

— John Adams

I looked around for God's judgments, but saw no signs of them.

— Benjamin Franklin

. . . Thirteen governments [of the original states] thus founded on the natural authority of the people alone, without a pretence…

— John Adams

I have examined all religions, and the result is that the Bible is the best book in the world.

— John Adams

Without religion this world would be something not fit to be mentioned in polite company, I mean Hell.

— Anonymous

I believe ... that the soul of man is immortal and will be treated with justice in another life, respecting its conduct…

— Benjamin Franklin

The whole history of these books (i.e. the Gospels) is so defective and doubtful that it seems vain to attempt minute enquiry…

— Thomas Jefferson

Have you considered that system of holy lies and pious frauds that has raged and triumphed for 1,500 years?

— John Adams

Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, creator of the Universe. That he governs it by his Providence. That he…

— Benjamin Franklin

The United States of America should have a foundation free from the influence of clergy.

— George Washington

Lighthouses are more helpful than churches.

— Benjamin Franklin

To the corruptions of Christianity I am indeed opposed; but not to the genuine precepts of Jesus himself.

— Thomas Jefferson

The Bible: a history of wickedness that has served to corrupt and brutalise mankind.

— Thomas Paine

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

— James Madison

Millions of innocent men, women and children, since the introduction of Christianity, have been burnt, tortured, fined and imprisoned; yet we have…

— Thomas Jefferson

The most detestable wickedness, the most horrid cruelties, and the greatest miseries, that have afflicted the human race have had their origin…

— Thomas Paine