Skip to content

Bricks Quote by John Paul Stevens

“Whenever we remove a brick from the wall that was designed to separate religion and government, we increase the risk of religious strife and weaken the foundation of our democracy.” quote by John Paul Stevens
Download Open image
“Whenever we remove a brick from the wall that was designed to separate religion and government, we increase the risk of religious strife and weaken the foundation of our democracy.”

John Paul Stevens

About This Quote

Source Speech: Supreme Court Lecture, 2005

Separating religion from government maintains democratic stability; mixing them raises conflict and weakens foundations.

In simple terms: Keep religion and state separate to protect democracy.

Key Takeaway

Uphold secular governance.

Themes

separation of church and state democracy conflict

Mood

thoughtful cautious

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • policy drafting
  • education curricula
  • public debates
  • legislative reform

Key Concepts

Political theory civil liberties

Questions to Reflect On

  • Should religious values influence law?
  • How to balance freedom and unity?
A Different Perspective

Secularism can alienate believers.

4.9 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by John Paul Stevens

Explore all 56 John Paul Stevens quotes

More Bricks quotes

Browse all 514 Bricks quotes