"As for the Devil - that is somebody our religion tried to do without for a long time"

This quote by Kerry Thornley recommends that the concept of the Devil is not an essential part of faith. It suggests that religious beliefs has had the ability to exist and prosper without the concept of the Devil, which it is not a crucial part of religion. This might be translated as a criticism of the idea of the Devil, or as a tip that religious beliefs must focus more on favorable elements instead of on the concept of evil. It could also be seen as a talk about the power of religion to shape and influence people's beliefs and worths. Eventually, this quote suggests that the idea of the Devil is not necessary for religious beliefs to exist and be successful, which it is not an essential part of religious belief.