Danger Quote by Abraham Kuyper
“... we have gratefully to receive from the hand of God the institution of the state with its magistrates as a means of preservation… On the other hand ... by virtue of our natural impulse, we must ever watch against the danger which lurks for our personal liberty in the power of the state.”
About This Quote
The state is a God‑ordained institution for societal preservation, yet vigilance is required to prevent it from encroaching on individual liberty.
In simple terms: State as a protective yet risky institution
Key Takeaway
Balance authority and freedom
Themes
political theory
liberty
government
religion
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- constitutional debates
- civic education
Key Concepts
authority
preservation
individual rights
Practical Applications
- policy analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards protect liberty against state overreach?
- How can the state fulfill its protective role without limiting freedom?
