“But I have contrived an explanation which has every advantage; is inviting to christians of every communion; gradually frees them from all religious prejudices”

A Literary Society is the most proper form for the introduction of our Order into any state where we are yet strangers.

The revolution which is about to break will be sterile if it is not complete.

This is the great object held out by this association; and the means of attaining it is illumination, enlightening the understanding by the sun of reason which will dispell the clouds of superstition and of prejudice.

It was the full conviction of this, and of what could be done,

Let it never appear in any place in its own name but always covered by another name and another occupation.

Salvation does not lie where strong thrones are defended by swords, where the smoke of censers ascend to heaven or where thousands of strong men pace the rich fields of harvest.

I am proud to be known to the world as the founder of the Illuminati.

And of all illumination which human reason can give, none is comparable to the discovery of what we are, our nature, our obligations, what happiness we are capable of, and what are the means of attaining it.

By establishing reading societies, and subscription libraries, and taking these under our direction, and supplying them through our labors

This will be obtained chiefly by means of the schools, and by open, hearty behavior, show, condescension, popularity, and toleration of their prejudices, which we shall at leisure root out and dispel.

The most wonderful thing of all is that the distinguished Lutheran and Calvinist theologians who belong to our order really believe that they see in it (Illuminati) the true and genuine sense of Christian Religion.

The tenor of my life has been the opposite of everything that is vile, and no man can lay any such thing to my charge.

And then all the objections urged against it by jealous tyranny and affrighted superstition will vanish.

In another situation, and in an active station in life,

Let this circumstance of our constitution therefore be directed to this noble purpose

For thus it is better secured from the oppression of the ruling powers, and because this secrecy gives a greater zest to the whole.

I’m tired of being set upon by crazed Christians one minute and unbridled libertines the next. Girls, I’m going camping.

The Republicans hardly need a party and the cumbersome cadre of low-level officials that form one; they have a bankroll as large as the Pentagon’s budget, dozens of fatted PACs, and the well-advertised support of the Christian deity.

We must have Christian ethics for our children, good and strong, but we must make them attractive, too, and it can be done.

You can’t live the Christian life without a band of Christian friends, without a family of believers in which you find a place.

Nothing is more gratifying to the mind of man than power or dominion.

If your god never disagrees with you, you might just be worshipping an idealized version of yourself.

Christianity does not provide the reason for each experience of pain, but it does provide deep resources for actually facing suffering with hope and courage rather than bitterness and despair

God’s grace does not come to people who morally outperform others, but to those who admit their failure to perform and who acknowledge their need for a Savior.