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Paine writes: "All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian, or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit." He means by this assertion_________

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Final answer:

Thomas Paine criticizes organized religion as a tool for power and wealth consolidation, reflecting Enlightenment skepticism toward traditional authority.

Step-by-step explanation:

Thomas Paine's assertion that "All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian, or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit" means that he views organized religion as a man-made construct that serves to control people and consolidate power and wealth in the hands of a few.

In the context of his broader philosophical views, this statement reflects an attitude of skepticism toward institutions, correlating with the Enlightenment ideals of his time that emphasized reason and challenged traditional authority, including the authority of the church.

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