Colony Quote by David S. Kidder
““At the time, most Europeans believed that religious conformity was necessary to safeguard civil order, and they questioned how such a diverse colony could survive.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The European Colonial Project, 1500‑1800, 2021
European colonists linked religious uniformity to social stability, fearing diversity would undermine order.
In simple terms: Uniform religion seen as needed for order.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that pluralism can coexist with stability.
Themes
religion
colonialism
social order
diversity
fear
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- community building
- education
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
social contract
cultural hegemony
identity politics
Questions to Reflect On
- How might societies thrive with religious diversity?
- What mechanisms can replace conformity for order?
A Different Perspective
Assumes religious conformity is the only path to peace.
![“I say this because the Left has taken what passes for their principles as an absolute religion. They don't think anymore. They just react. When they have somebody like [Barack] Obama whom they put into office, they believed in the religious sense and, of course, that is a large part of the reason…” quote by Nat Hentoff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bc2/nat-hentoff-1615_absolutes_i-say-this-because-the-left-has-taken-wh_2606883.jpg)
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
