In our time all it takes for evil to flourish is for a few good men to be a little wrong and have a great deal of power, and for the vast majority of their fellow citizens to remain indifferent.

It is often said that the Church is a crutch. Of course it's a crutch. What makes you think you don't limp?

I'm delighted that the future is unsure. That's the way it should be.

Diversity may be the hardest thing for a society to live with, and perhaps the most dangerous thing for a society to be without.

I asked an 85 year old professor, 'What makes you cry?' He said, 'Whenever I see or hear the truth.'

In reality, there are no biblical literalists, only selective literalists. By abolishing slavery and ordaining women, millions of Protestants have gone far beyond biblical literalism. It's time we did the same for homophobia.

God knows it is emotionally satisfying to be righteous with that righteousness that nourishes itself on the blood of sinners. But God also knows that what is emotionally satisfying can be spiritually devastating.