Islam Quote by Barry Goldwater
“On religious issues there can be little or no compromise. There is no position on which people are so immovable as their religious beliefs. There is no more powerful ally one can claim in a debate than Jesus Christ, or God, or Allah, or whatever one calls this supreme being. But like any powerful weapon, the use of God's name on one's behalf should be used sparingly. The religious factions that are growing throughout our land are not using their religious clout with wisdom. They are trying to force government leaders into following their position 100 percent. If you disagree with these religious groups on a particular moral issue, they complain, they threaten you with a loss of money or votes or both. I'm frankly sick and tired of the political preachers across this country telling me as a citizen that if I want to be a moral person, I must believe in A, B, C, and D. Just who do they think they are? And from where do they presume to claim the right to dictate their moral belie”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Remarks on Religion and Politics, United States, 1964
Religious convictions are often used as absolute moral authority, but invoking divine names in political debate should be limited because it can coerce and polarize.
In simple terms: Religion is used as an unchallengeable moral weapon in politics, which can be harmful.
Limit religious rhetoric in policy debates.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legislative negotiations
- public policy debates
- community organizing
- interfaith dialogues
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance respect for faith with secular governance?
- What safeguards protect policy from religious coercion?
Religious arguments may alienate non‑believers and undermine democratic compromise.