Divine Quote by Henry James Sumner Maine
“The members of such a society consider that the transgression of a religious ordinance should be punished by civil penalties, and that the violation of a civil duty exposes the delinquent to divine correction.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Ancient Law by Henry James Sumner Maine, 1861
Societies often link civil punishment with divine moral order, believing violations of law invite both legal and spiritual consequences.
In simple terms: Civil law and religious belief are tied together.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how legal systems reflect moral values.
Themes
law
morality
religion
justice
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- court rulings
- religious communities
- policy debates
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
social contract
theology
penology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern legal systems separate church and state?
- What are the risks of conflating civil and divine punishment?
A Different Perspective
Such links can suppress dissent and enforce conformity.
![“The way of the Lord is the way of happiness. ‘Wickedness never was happiness’ [Alma 41:10]. Transgression never was happiness. Sin never was happiness. Disobedience never was happiness. The way of happiness is following the way of the Lord. I believe this with all my heart.” quote by Gordon B. Hinckley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8e9/gordon-b-hinckley-331_believe_the-way-of-the-lord-is-the-way-of-happin_193229.jpg)
![“The American experiment, the United States in the past eight years [2008-2016] was not considered worthy of leading, because we had committed too many transgressions. We didn't have the moral authority to lead anybody because we had too many injustices in our past and too many discriminations and…” quote by Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/837/rush-limbaugh-28_authority_the-american-experiment-the-united-state_153892.jpg)
![“The heart becomes sick, as the body becomes sick, and its remedy is al-Tawbah (repentance) and protection [from transgression]. It becomes rusty as a mirror becomes rusty, and its clarity is obtained by remembrance. It becomes naked as the body becomes naked, and its beautification is al-Taqwa. It…” quote by Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/454/ibn-qayyim-al-jawziyya-10803_als_the-heart-becomes-sick-as-the-body-becom_66500.jpg)
