Church and state Quote by Thomas Paine
““Prosecution is not an original feature in any religion; but it is always the strongly-marked feature of all law-religious, or religions established by law. Take away the law-establishment, and every religion re-assumes its original benignity.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Common Sense, 1776
Law imposes a prosecutorial character on religions, but without law, religions revert to benign nature.
In simple terms: Law makes religions harsh; without it, they are gentle.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the impact of legal structures on belief systems.
Themes
law
religion
ethics
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legal reforms
- interfaith dialogue
- policy making
Key Concepts
institutional power
original intent
Questions to Reflect On
- Can law ever be fully removed from religion?
- What are examples of religious oppression without legal backing?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all religions are benign without law, which may not hold.
![“The law for religious freedom... [has]put down the aristocracy of the clergy and restored to the citizen the freedom of the mind.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/thomas-jefferson-43_aristocracy_the-law-for-religious-freedom-has-put-do_60865.jpg)
![“...It would be more consistent that we call [the Bible] the work of a demon than the word of God. It is a history of wickedness that has served to corrupt and brutalize mankind.” quote by Thomas Paine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/274/thomas-paine-267_age-of-reason_it-would-be-more-consistent-that-we-call_2934720.jpg)
![“On the one hand, you don't want to disrupt the nation with what might look like a vindictive prosecution, even though it might not be. On the other hand, you want equal justice under the law and if [Hillary Clinton] has violated the law - you know, the FBI never completed the Foundation…” quote by Rudy Giuliani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ed3/rudy-giuliani-958_clinton_on-the-one-hand-you-don-t-want-to-disrup_63438.jpg)
![“I do not make decisions [as governor] based on what have I learned through my Bible studies, what have I learned in my religious classes in school. I'm a big believer in separation of church and state, and I think that's what . . . the law is.” quote by Arnold Schwarzenegger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a18/arnold-schwarzenegger-657_believer_i-do-not-make-decisions-as-governor-base_18031.jpg)
