Page "Deism" Paragraph 33

According to this world view, over time " priests " had succeeded in encrusting the original simple, rational religion with all kinds of superstitions and " mysteries " irrational theological doctrines.

Laymen were told by the priests that only the priests really knew what was necessary for salvation and that laymen must accept the " mysteries " on faith and on the priests ' authority.

This kept the laity baffled by the nonsensical " mysteries ", confused, and dependent on the priests for information about the requirements for salvation.

The priests consequently enjoyed a position of considerable power over the laity, which they strove to maintain and increase.

Deists referred to this kind of manipulation of religious doctrine as " priestcraft ", a highly derogatory term.