The phrase "Man created God" (or variations like "Man created God in his own image") is a common critique of religion, suggesting that the concept of God is a product of human imagination and societal needs rather than divine origin.
Here are some notable figures who have expressed this idea, or ideas very similar to it:
* Ludwig Feuerbach: A German philosopher, is often credited with popularizing the idea. In his book "The Essence of Christianity" (1841), he argued that God is a projection of human qualities and desires.
* Karl Marx: While he didn't say those exact words, Marx built on Feuerbach's ideas, viewing religion as the "opium of the people," a social construct used to pacify the masses and justify existing power structures.
* Sigmund Freud: Freud explored the psychological roots of religion in works like "Totem and Taboo" and "The Future of an Illusion," suggesting that religious beliefs stem from unconscious needs and desires.
* Voltaire: The famous enlightenment writer was a deist. He believed in a higher being but he believed that most religion was created by human to control others.
It's important to note that this concept has a long history and can be found in various forms throughout philosophy and literature. While the exact phrasing might vary, the core idea that God is a human creation has been expressed by many thinkers.