People value religion on the basis of cost, and they don't value the cheapest ones the most. Religions that ask nothing get nothing.
Rodney StarkIt has been said of many modern Christian theologians that their primary aim is to find ways to express disbelief as belief.
Rodney StarkThat's true that I'm "not religious as that term is conventionally understood," though I've never been an atheist. Atheism is an active faith; it says, "I believe there is no God." But I don't know what I believe. I was brought up a Lutheran in Jamestown, North Dakota. I have trouble with faith. I'm not proud of this. I don't think it makes me an intellectual. I would believe if I could, and I may be able to before it's over. I would welcome that.
Rodney Stark