At the core of every moral code there is a picture of human nature, a map of the universe, and read more

At the core of every moral code there is a picture of human nature, a map of the universe, and a version of history. To human nature (of the sort conceived), in a universe (of the kind imagined), after a history (so understood), the rules of the code apply.

I am treated as evil by people who claim that they are being oppressed because they are not allowed to read more

I am treated as evil by people who claim that they are being oppressed because they are not allowed to force me to practice what they do.

O God, thy sea is so great, and my boat is so small.

O God, thy sea is so great, and my boat is so small.

Fear prophets and those prepared to die for the truth, for as a rule they make many others die with read more

Fear prophets and those prepared to die for the truth, for as a rule they make many others die with them, often before them, at times instead of them.

I believe though I do not comprehend, and I hold by faith what I cannot grasp with the mind.

I believe though I do not comprehend, and I hold by faith what I cannot grasp with the mind.

Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture they do not understand, but the passages that bother me are read more

Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture they do not understand, but the passages that bother me are those I do understand.

I hope with all my heart there will be painting in heaven.

I hope with all my heart there will be painting in heaven.

A civilization is destroyed only when its gods are destroyed.

A civilization is destroyed only when its gods are destroyed.

A devotee who can call on God while living a householder's life is a hero indeed. God thinks: 'He is read more

A devotee who can call on God while living a householder's life is a hero indeed. God thinks: 'He is blessed indeed who prays to me in the midst of his worldly duties. He is trying to find me, overcoming a great obstacle -- pushing away, as it were, a huge block of stone weighing a ton. Such a man is a real hero.'.