--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: During almost fifteen centuries has the…" description: "\"During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What has been its fruits? More or less, in all places, pride..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/92b/james-madison-373_christianity_during-almost-fifteen-centuries-has-the_1357429.jpg" --- # During almost fifteen centuries has the legal… ![“During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What has been its fruits? More or less, in all places, pride and indolence in the clergy; ignorance and servility in the laity; in both, superstition, bigotry, and persecution.” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/92b/james-madison-373_christianity_during-almost-fifteen-centuries-has-the_1357429.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/92b/james-madison-373_christianity_during-almost-fifteen-centuries-has-the_1357429.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/92b/james-madison-373_christianity_during-almost-fifteen-centuries-has-the_1357429.jpg) > “During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What has been its fruits? More or less, in all places, pride and indolence in the clergy; ignorance and servility in the laity; in both, superstition, bigotry, and persecution.” [James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-madison/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The long history of Christianity shows both positive influence and persistent flaws like pride and intolerance. **In simple terms:** Christianity has mixed legacy of good and bad. Key Takeaway Recognize both strengths and weaknesses. Themes religion history ethics Mood critical thought‑provoking Type analytical historical When to use this quote - church leadership - education - public policy - interfaith dialogue Key Concepts theology social dynamics Questions to Reflect On - What reforms could address the cited issues? - How do modern believers reconcile these contradictions? A Different Perspective Overgeneralizes complex history; context varies. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Christianity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christianity/) [Clergy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/clergy/) [Ignorance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ignorance/) [Persecution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/persecution/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) ## Related quotes > [ “... \[E\]xperience witnesseth that ecclesiastical establishments, instead of maintaining the purity and efficacy of Religion, have had a contrary operation. 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