So potent was religion in persuading to evil deeds.

...if one thing frightens people, it is that so much happens, on earth and out in space, the reasons for which seem somehow to escape them, and they fill in the gap by putting it down to the gods.

When the supreme violence of a furious wind upon the sea sweeps over the waters the chief admiral of a fleet along with his mighty legions, does he not crave the gods' peace with vows and in his panic seek with prayers the peace of the winds and favouring breezes. Nonetheless, he is caught up in the furious hurricane and driven upon the shoals of death.

Religious questions have often led to wicked and impious actions.

Too often in time past, religion has brought forth criminal and shameful actions... How many evils has religion caused?

Fear was the first thing on Earth to create gods.

A falling drop at last will carve a stone.