No two cities have counted more with mankind than Athens and Jerusalem. Their messages in religion, philosophy, and art have been the main guiding lights of modern faith and culture.

Especially is this meaningful as we regard today's world. Over the globe, mankind has been cruelly torn by violence and brutality and, by the millions, deadened in mind and soul by a materialistic philosophy of life. Man everywhere is appalled by the prospect of atomic war. In this somber setting, this law and its effects today have profound meaning. In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource, in peace or in war.

Religion is a matter between the man and his Maker.

Religion consists in a set of things which the average man thinks he believes and wishes he was certain of.

The imaginary flowers of religion adorn man's chains. Man must throw off the flowers, and also the chains.

Religion is only the illusory sun which revolves round man as long as he does not revolve round himself.