Apostles Quote by Thomas Paine
“EVERY national church or religion has established itself by pretending some special mission from God, communicated to certain individuals. The Jews have their Moses; the Christians their Jesus Christ, their apostles and saints; and the Turks their Mahomet; as if the way to God was not open to every man alike.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Common Sense, 1776
Religion often claims exclusive divine missions, suggesting only certain groups have true access to God, which contradicts universal spiritual equality.
In simple terms: Religions claim special divine missions, excluding others.
Key Takeaway
Recognize spiritual equality across all people.
Themes
religion
exclusivity
equality
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- interfaith dialogue
- education
- personal reflection
- community building
Key Concepts
theology
authority
universalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does exclusivity affect interfaith understanding?
- Can universal spirituality coexist with specific traditions?
A Different Perspective
Exclusivity can be deeply rooted in cultural identity, making change difficult.
![“Lincoln is theology, not historiology. He is a faith, he is a church, he is a religion, and he has his own priests and acolytes, most of whom have a vested interest in [him] and who are passionately opposed to anybody telling the truth about him.” quote by Lerone Bennett, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/86b/lerone-bennett-jr-80928_church_lincoln-is-theology-not-historiology-he_391079.jpg)
![“Listen to these words of [apostle] Paul: "We war not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness that's in high places." It's in "high places" that the plot against Black and Brown, and poor White is going…” quote by Louis Farrakhan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/152/louis-farrakhan-1264_apostle-paul_listen-to-these-words-of-apostle-paul-we_95649.jpg)
