---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Those who distinguish between civil and…"
description: "\"“Those who distinguish between civil and theological intolerance are mistaken, in my opinion. Those two types of intolerance are inseparable. It is imp..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a9/jean-jacques-rousseau-418_civil-rights_those-who-distinguish-between-civil-and_2730979.jpg"
---

#  Those who distinguish between civil and theological…

![“Those who distinguish between civil and theological intolerance are mistaken, in my opinion. Those two types of intolerance are inseparable. It is impossible to live in peace with those one believes to be damned. To love them would be to hate God who punishes them. It is absolutely necessary…” quote by Jean-Jacques Rousseau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a9/jean-jacques-rousseau-418_civil-rights_those-who-distinguish-between-civil-and_2730979.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a9/jean-jacques-rousseau-418_civil-rights_those-who-distinguish-between-civil-and_2730979.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a9/jean-jacques-rousseau-418_civil-rights_those-who-distinguish-between-civil-and_2730979.jpg)

> ““Those who distinguish between civil and theological intolerance are mistaken, in my opinion. Those two types of intolerance are inseparable. It is impossible to live in peace with those one believes to be damned. To love them would be to hate God who punishes them. It is absolutely necessary either to reclaim them or torment them. Whenever theological intolerance is allowed, it is impossible for it not to have some civil effect.””

[Jean-Jacques Rousseau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-jacques-rousseau/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Rousseau argues civil and theological intolerance are inseparable; tolerating one inevitably affects the other, making peace impossible without addressing both.

**In simple terms:** Intolerance in religion and society are linked and must be tackled together.

Key Takeaway

Address both civil and religious intolerance simultaneously.

Themes

ethics religion society

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

- public policy
- interfaith dialogue
- education
- community building

Key Concepts

intolerance peace morality

Questions to Reflect On

- Can civil tolerance exist without religious tolerance?
- What strategies can reduce both forms of intolerance?

A Different Perspective

He may overgeneralize; some societies separate civil and religious spheres.

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[Civil rights](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/civil-rights/) [Civil Theological](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/civil-theological-2955177/) [Hate god](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hate-god/) [Intolerance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intolerance/) [Intolerance Inseparable](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intolerance-inseparable-2955174/) [Live In Peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/live-in-peace/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Theological Intolerance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/theological-intolerance-2955173/) [Types Intolerance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/types-intolerance-2955176/)

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