Believe Quote by Joseph Story
![“[I]t is impossible for those, who believe in the truth of Christianity, as a divine revelation, to doubt, that it is the especial duty of government to foster, and encourage it among all the citizens and subjects. This is a point wholly distinct from that of the right of private judgment in…” quote by Joseph Story](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5c4/joseph-story-11919_believe_i-t-is-impossible-for-those-who-believe_635340.jpg)
“[I]t is impossible for those, who believe in the truth of Christianity, as a divine revelation, to doubt, that it is the especial duty of government to foster, and encourage it among all the citizens and subjects. This is a point wholly distinct from that of the right of private judgment in matters of religion, and of the freedom of public worship according to the dictates of one's conscience.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Commentaries on the Constitution of the United States, 1833
He argues that a Christian state should actively promote Christianity, separating this duty from individual religious freedom and public worship rights.
In simple terms: Government should support Christianity while respecting personal belief.
Key Takeaway
Promote faith without infringing liberty.
Themes
religion
government
freedom
public policy
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative debates
- educational curricula
- public ceremonies
- policy drafting
Key Concepts
theocracy
civil religion
separation of church and state
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a state support a religion without violating freedom of belief?
- What are the risks of conflating civic duty with religious doctrine?
A Different Perspective
Balancing state endorsement of faith with individual rights is complex.
![“At the time of the adoption of the constitution, and of the amendment to it, now under consideration [i.e., the First Amendment], the general, if not the universal sentiment in America was, that Christianity ought to receive encouragement from the state, so far as was not incompatible with the…” quote by Joseph Story](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ef2/joseph-story-11919_adoption_at-the-time-of-the-adoption-of-the-const_282131.jpg)
