This is similar to Genesis, where at the beginning God was in the middle of darkness and emptiness. However, in the Iroquois tale, in the beginning there are birds and a void of air along with the emptiness and darkness. ... This creates envy in Cain's heart and he decides to kill his brother to obtain God's favor. ...
It serves as a pillar which they lean upon in their times of confusion and need, and as a light to guide them through dark times. ... Just as a person may grow away from another when they feel neglected, Antonio begins to slowly pull farther and farther away from the traditional beliefs that he had nurtured in his heart for so long when he feels as if God does not reciprocate the faith and love he gives to him. ...
There are those who see in Satan a real being, prince of darkness, to whom it is possible to direct oneself by the way of magical rituals in order to obtain different kinds of favors. ... At the heart of the Bible's condemnation is the awareness that it entails a denial of the one true God. ...
I assert most unhesitatingly, that the religion of the south is a mere covering for the most horrid crimes, -a justifier of the most appalling barbarity, -a sanctifier of the most hateful frauds, -and a dark shelter under, which the darkest, foulest, grossest, and most infernal deeds of slaveholders find the strongest protection." ...
