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From the standpoint of social need, we must be the advocate and friend of religion when it performs its proper duty of keeping men within ethical bounds. But, from the same standpoint, we should be the opponent of religion when it becomes a farcical, hypnotical, hollow show, or when it slays and tortures men for holding other beliefs. But mounting to a higher level and adopting the standpoint of what is the ultimate truth, we can be the impartial observer of religion, for then we shall see it is but an elementary stage of man's journey on the upward mountain road leading to this high goal. Whoever seeks the last word about life must not tarry at the starting point.

-- Notebooks Category 17: The Religious Urge > Chapter 6 : Philosophy and Religion > # 56