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Christian Quote by Thomas Paine

“The christian religion is a parody on the worship of the Sun, in which they put a man whom they call Christ, in the place of the Sun, and pay him the same adoration which was originally paid to the Sun. [ An Essay on the Origin of Free-Masonry ]” quote by Thomas Paine
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““The christian religion is a parody on the worship of the Sun, in which they put a man whom they call Christ, in the place of the Sun, and pay him the same adoration which was originally paid to the Sun. [ An Essay on the Origin of Free-Masonry ]””

Thomas Paine

About This Quote

Source Essay: An Essay on the Origin of Free-Masonry, 1798

He compares Christianity to sun worship, suggesting it replaces the sun with a human figure and receives similar devotion.

In simple terms: Christianity is likened to solar worship with a human substitute.

Key Takeaway

Question the basis of religious reverence.

Themes

religion criticism myth iconoclasm

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical controversial

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • interfaith dialogue
  • personal belief assessment

Key Concepts

theology symbolism historical analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is reverence inherently irrational?
  • Can symbolic substitution be meaningful?
A Different Perspective

Religious symbolism can be deeply rooted and not merely a parody.

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