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

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

Religion is a matter between the man and his Maker.

Religion is for man and not man for religion.

Religion is the opiate of the masses.

To call on them to give up their illusions about their condition is to call on them to give up a condition that requires illusions. The criticism of religion is, therefore, in embryo, the criticism of that vale of tears of which religion is the halo.