Affair Quote by Joseph Story
“It yet remains a problem to be solved in human affairs, whether any free government can be permanent, where the public worship of God, and the support of religion, constitute no part of the policy or duty of the state in any assignable shape. The future experience of Christendom, and chiefly of the American states, must settle this problem, as yet new in the history of the world, abundant, as it has been, in experiments in the theory of government.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Commentaries on the Constitution of the United States, 1833
The quote questions the challenge of separating religion from government, noting that future societies must resolve this issue.
In simple terms: Separating church and state is a persistent problem.
Key Takeaway
Consider secular governance.
Themes
government
religion
separation
law
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- policy drafting
- public education
- legal reform
- international relations
Key Concepts
theocracy
secularism
constitutional law
Questions to Reflect On
- What models best balance faith and policy?
- How does religion influence lawmaking?
A Different Perspective
Secularism may conflict with cultural traditions.
![“[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)
![“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)
