If we go back to the beginning we shall find that ignorance and fear created the gods; that fancy, enthusiasm, or deceit adorned or disfigured them; that weakness worships them; that credulity preserves them, and that custom, respect and tyranny support them in order to make the blindness of men serve its own interests. -- Baron d'Holbach, Système de la Nature
Saw this awesome quote from onegoodmove and figured I'd quote it for two reasons. First, he's right. Second, he's Baron d'Holbach for craps sakes... he's like the first modern atheist ever.