Provided the gods of Rome are given their due, it doesn't…
““Provided the gods of Rome are given their due, it doesn't really matter to them whether their worshippers believe in them or not. Having taken part in the official rituals, a citizen is free to worship whatever other deities he pleases. Rom'es gods are there to be obeyed and respected, not loved, and they no more mind sacrifices to other deities than the taxman minds people paying other dues elsewhere. Dealing with the gods is an exchange of duties and mutual respect. Confessing a deep love for a particular god is superstitio and the person concerned is probably emotionally concerned.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Describes Roman religious practice as transactional, emphasizing duty over love, and cautioning against superstitious devotion.
In simple terms: Roman worship was duty‑based, not loving.
Key Takeaway
Respect religious duties.
Themes
history
religion
cultural norms
Mood
analytical
historical
Type
Deep love:0
History:1
Mutual respect:1
Polytheism:1
Religion:1
Rome:1
Worship Deities:0
Deities Taxman:0
Provided Gods:0
Deities Pleases:0
Sacrifices Deities:0
When to use this quote
- academic study
- cultural tourism
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
Roman law
polytheism
social contracts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does duty shape your spiritual practice?
- What separates respect from devotion?
A Different Perspective
Modern faith may differ from Roman view.