His opinions were too threatening and religion s benefactors in both church and state were powerful, indeed. Yet many of his views were vindicated. He lived at a time when pleasurable activities like dancing, attending the opera and theatre, roller-skating, playing cards and playing billiards were condemned by theists, and he admonished the church to keep step with the progress of the world or be trampled under foot. Speaking about racism, he said, I pity the man who has only to brag that he is white. Alchemy and black art gave way to chemistry.
Science is destined to take the place of religion.
In my judgement, the religion of the future will be Reason. I have in my composition that which I have declared to the world as my views upon religion. My position I would not, under any circumstances, not even my life, seem to renounce. I would rather refuse to be President of the United States than to do so. My religious belief is my own.