“There is not anything, which has contributed so much to delude mankind in religious matters, as mistaken apprehensions concerning supernatural inspiration or revelation; not considering that all true religion originates from reason, and cannot otherwise be understood, but by the exercise and improvement of it.”

The first part of this statement, before the semicolon, is ABSOLUTELY true. The second part (after the semicolon) is a false premise. TRUE religion does NOT originate from (human) reason. Rather, it is the Word and the Will of a (THE) Supreme Creator and Author of Law. Man did not "create" God (or, the "gods"), in FACT, GOD created man!

Truth is the Word and the Will of God. Liberty (of man) is the WILL of God. Tyranny (the rule of man over man) is a--THE--false premise! The "reason" of man tells him that HE is "number one;" i.e., that he "deserves" to rule over others.

Absent God--or at the very least, the Rule of LAW--there is ONLY tyranny!

I'm with Sam concerning the quote before the semicolon. What is "true" religion - Atheism, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, socialism ? A mistaken apprehension concerning supernatural inspiration or revelation is considering that all true religion originates from reason. Though reason equates to and is part of religion, reason here falls more under the understanding and application of law.

What the heck is "true religion" anyway? All religions are man made, including Christianity. Some are worse than others and Islam comes to mind. Catholicism has a real checkered past with Popes selling indulgences and covering up recent horrific child molestation to protect the sorry reputation of the church.

I am afraid Sam and Mike prove Ethan Allen's point. The distinction is clear -- religion without reason is based on a false premise. I believe God to be reasonable and the truth to be reasonable. It is religion that has corrupted both. Jim is absolutely right.

One of the things I love about freedom, liberty and the free thinkers participating on this blog (such as jim and Archer) we all unite at law and deffer at religion (I for one being enlightened by others opinions).

Mike, you have my full respect and admiration. I do draw a line between Natural Law and biblical dogma. As a scientist, I have entertained many theories, and take them into consideration when acting. I find that the truth has a 'ring' to it and can stand any test. I have studied the Bible from cover to cover, and I have studied other philosophies and religions as well. I have also in particular studied history as far back as the written word -- in fact etymology is one of my favorite fields of study -- where have our words come from? I find the study in all these fields very enriching and fulfilling -- it has also been my experience that those that have 'chosen' a belief as 'gospel' so-to-speak often close their eyes and ears to anything that may challenge their beliefs. Even after decades of discovery, externally and internally, I am still in awe of the great mystery of Life. I would only hope that those that 'know' might humble themselves to admit that the great mystery is a mystery still. ;-)