"All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit"

This quote by Thomas Paine recommends that all spiritual organizations, regardless of their faith, are developed by people and are utilized to control and oppress individuals. He thinks that these institutions are used to acquire power and wealth, rather than to promote spiritual development and understanding. He implies that these institutions are not divinely influenced, however rather are developed by humans to serve their own interests. He likewise indicates that these institutions are not essential for spiritual development, which individuals need to be complimentary to practice their faith without the interference of these institutions. This quote is a powerful suggestion that religious organizations should not be used to control and oppress individuals, however rather to promote understanding and spiritual development.