As for the Devil - that is somebody our religion tried to do without for a long time.

The quote by Kerry Thornley offers a critical and somewhat humorous perspective on religion and its conceptualization of the Devil. Thornley suggests that our religion historically attempted to function without a personified embodiment of evil, implying that the figure of the Devil is a later or artificial addition to spiritual narratives rather than a necessary element of belief.

At its core, the quote highlights the evolution of religious thought. By noting that religion "tried to do without" the Devil, Thornley emphasizes that spiritual systems often adapt over time, introducing or modifying concepts to explain human behavior, morality, and the presence of evil in the world. This perspective encourages reflection on how religious ideas are constructed and interpreted.

The origin of this quote comes from Kerry Thornley, a writer and co-founder of Discordianism, a philosophical and satirical movement that often questioned traditional religious and societal structures. His comment reflects the Discordian tendency to challenge established beliefs and to provoke thought about the assumptions underlying conventional religion.

The keywords—Devil, somebody, our religion, tried to do without—capture the essence of Thornley’s message: the Devil is a construct that religions incorporated over time rather than an essential or inherent figure. The quote underscores the evolving nature of religious beliefs and encourages critical thinking about spiritual narratives.

I can also create a shorter, 2-paragraph version highlighting all the bold keywords for quicker reference if you want.