Tom Salter Quotes in I'd Climb the Highest Mountain (1951)

Tom Salter: I refuse to believe in a God who inflicts pain and suffering and permits all the injustices that are in this world. My mind tells me that such a God is not fit to be spat upon let alone worship. Nor do I believe He give a man a mind and then condemn him for using it to think with, any more than He give a bird wings and condemn it for flying. That's giving Him a great deal more credit than you do, Mr. Thompson, for all your religion.

Tom Salter: I know nothing of God, Mr. Thompson. Certainly He's never revealed Himself to me. Has He to you?

Rev. William Asbury Thompson: Yes. Very often.

Tom Salter: You've seen Him then. Can you prove He exists?

Rev. William Asbury Thompson: No. No, but I know He does.

Tom Salter: And you believe He made us as we are.

Rev. William Asbury Thompson: As surely as that we're standing here.

Tom Salter: Then why did He not make us equally strong? Equally well off?

Rev. William Asbury Thompson: I don't know. Man is not in possession of His plans.