Quote by Thomas Paine, The Age of Reason,

I believe in one God, and no more; and I hope for happiness beyond this life.I believe in the equality of man; and I believe that religious duties consist in doing justice, loving mercy, and endeavoring to make our fellow-creatures happy. But, lest it should be supposed that I believe in many other things in addition to these, I shall, in the progress of this work, declare the things I do not believe, and my reasons for not believing them. I do not believe in the creed professed by the Jewish church, by the Roman church, by the Greek church, by the Turkish church, by the Protestant church, nor by any church that I know of. My own mind is my own church. All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit. I do not mean by this declaration to condemn those who believe otherwise; they have the same right to their belief as I have to mine. But it is necessary to the happiness of man, that he be mentally faithful to himself. Infidelity does not consist in believing, or in disbelieving; it consists in professing to believe what he does not believe.http://www.ushistory.org/paine/reason/reason1.htm

Summary

In this quote, Thomas Paine expresses his belief in monotheism and the hope for an afterlife. He emphasizes the importance of equality among individuals and defines religious duties as acts of justice, mercy, and making others happy. Paine declares his disbelief in organized religious institutions, including the Jewish, Roman, Greek, Turkish, and Protestant churches, considering them human creations intended to control and exploit people. He states that his personal beliefs and convictions are his own church, highlighting the significance of individual autonomy and authenticity. Paine also clarifies that he does not condemn others for their different beliefs but stresses the necessity for individuals to remain true to themselves.