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Political organizations have slowly substituted themselves…

“Political organizations have slowly substituted themselves for the Churches as the places of believing practices, but for this very reason, they seem to have been haunted by the return of a very ancient (preChristian) and very “pagan” alliance between power and religion. It is as though now that…” quote by Michel de Certeau
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“Political organizations have slowly substituted themselves for the Churches as the places of believing practices, but for this very reason, they seem to have been haunted by the return of a very ancient (preChristian) and very “pagan” alliance between power and religion. It is as though now that religion has ceased to be an autonomous power (the “power of religion,” people used to say), politics has once again become religious.”

Michel de Certeau

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Political groups have taken over the role of churches, creating a new alliance of power and religion reminiscent of ancient pagan ties, making politics itself religious again.

In simple terms: Politics now mirrors religion, forming an old power‑religion alliance.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the blending of political and religious authority.

Themes

power religion politics history society

Mood

critical analytical

Type

observational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • election cycles
  • policy debates
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

secularism institutional critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are modern examples of this power‑religion blend?
  • How does this affect civic engagement?
A Different Perspective

The analogy may oversimplify complex modern dynamics.

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