Words from Robert Ingerosll - 16

Thousands of young men are being educated at this moment by the various churches. What for? In order that they may be prepared to investigate the phenomena by which we are surrounded? No! The object, and the only object, is that they may be prepared to defend a creed. ... Honest investigation is utterly impossible within the pale of any church for the reason that if you think the church is right you will not investigate, and if you think it is wrong, the church will investigate you. The consequence of this is, that most of the theological literature is the result of suppression, of fear, of tyranny, and hypocrisy.

Plea for Individuality and Arraignment of the Church - 1873