- 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.
- Mary Elizabeth Eden Thompson: William, do you remember when you asked me if I could cook?
- Rev. William Asbury Thompson: Mmm.
- Mary Elizabeth Eden Thompson: And then I said I could?
- Rev. William Asbury Thompson: Mmm.
- Mary Elizabeth Eden Thompson: Well, I can't.
- Rev. William Asbury Thompson: Oh, yes. I know.
- Mary Elizabeth Eden Thompson: You know?
- Rev. William Asbury Thompson: I thought you were lying so I asked your mother.
- Mary Elizabeth Eden Thompson: You didn't!
- Rev. William Asbury Thompson: You forget. I'm an old hand dealing with liars.
- Mary Elizabeth Eden Thompson: Why don't you come in?
- Jack Stark: I don't think I'd be welcome.
- Mary Elizabeth Eden Thompson: You're a member of my husband's church, aren't you?
- Jack Stark: No, ma'am. I'm a lost sheep.