--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Columnist Joseph Sobran writes, “The…" description: "\"“Columnist Joseph Sobran writes, “The prevailing notion is that the state should be neutral as to religion, and furthermore, that the best way to be ne..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/371/charles-w-colson-12999_nudism_columnist-joseph-sobran-writes-the-preva_2896457.jpg" --- # Columnist Joseph Sobran writes, “The prevailing notion is… ![“Columnist Joseph Sobran writes, “The prevailing notion is that the state should be neutral as to religion, and furthermore, that the best way to be neutral about it is to avoid all mention of it. By this sort of logic, nudism is the best compromise among different styles of dress. The secularist…” quote by Charles W. Colson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/371/charles-w-colson-12999_nudism_columnist-joseph-sobran-writes-the-preva_2896457.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/371/charles-w-colson-12999_nudism_columnist-joseph-sobran-writes-the-preva_2896457.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/371/charles-w-colson-12999_nudism_columnist-joseph-sobran-writes-the-preva_2896457.jpg) > ““Columnist Joseph Sobran writes, “The prevailing notion is that the state should be neutral as to religion, and furthermore, that the best way to be neutral about it is to avoid all mention of it. By this sort of logic, nudism is the best compromise among different styles of dress. The secularist version of ‘pluralism’ amounts to theological nudism.”35”” [Charles W. Colson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-w-colson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote argues that claiming state neutrality on religion leads to absurd outcomes, likening it to forced nudity in dress codes. **In simple terms:** Neutrality can become absurd when taken to extremes. Key Takeaway Beware of extreme neutrality that erodes meaningful differences. Themes religion state neutrality pluralism logic Mood critical analytical skeptical Type political philosophical satirical When to use this quote - legislative debates - court rulings - media commentary - public education - interfaith dialogue Key Concepts secularism theological nudism public policy social tolerance Questions to Reflect On - How can a state respect diverse religions without forcing uniformity? - What limits should be set on claims of neutrality? A Different Perspective Extreme neutrality may ignore genuine cultural values and create false equivalencies. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [St Joseph](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/st-joseph/) ## Related quotes > [The prevailing notion is that the state should be neutral as to religion, and furthermore, that the best way to be neutral about it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-sobran/the-prevailing-notion-is-that-the-state-should-be-neutral-as-to/) [Joseph Sobran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-sobran/) > [I'm an atheist. I'm not neutral about religion, I'm hostile to it. I think it is a positively bad idea, not just a false…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-hitchens/i-m-an-atheist-i-m-not-neutral-about-religion-i-m-hostile-to-it-i/) [Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-hitchens/) > [“Sex is like an atom bomb. A potent weapon which fascinates and frightens. 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