Able Quote by Benjamin Franklin
“When religion is good, it will take care of itself. When it is not able to take care of itself, and God does not see fit to take care of it, so that it has to appeal to the civil power for support, it is evidence to my mind that its cause is a bad one.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Personal Correspondence, 1755
The quote argues that when religion cannot sustain itself, it must seek civil support, indicating its underlying weakness.
In simple terms: If religion can’t support itself, it needs government help, showing it’s flawed.
Key Takeaway
Self-sustaining institutions are healthier.
Themes
religion
government
self-reliance
institutional integrity
critique
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- Policy debates
- church-state discussions
- community support
- financial independence
- ethical governance
Key Concepts
Secularism
social contract
institutional legitimacy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is all external support a sign of failure?
- Can religion be reformed without state aid?
A Different Perspective
Religious institutions may still provide social benefits despite flaws.
