10-14-2008, 05:48 AM
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#25
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Post Whore!
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Montgomery County, MD
Age: 33
Posts: 3,197
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Quote:
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What influence, in fact, have ecclesiastical establishments had on society? In some instances they have been seen to erect a spiritual tyranny on the ruins of the civil authority; on many instances they have been seen upholding the thrones of political tyranny; in no instance have they been the guardians of the liberties of the people. Rulers who wish to subvert the public liberty may have found an established clergy convenient auxiliaries. A just government, instituted to secure and perpetuate it, needs them not."
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Quote:
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Experience witnesseth that ecclesiastical establishments, instead of maintaining the purity and efficacy of religion, have had a contrary operation. During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What has been its fruits? More or less, in all places, pride and indolence in the clergy; ignorance and servility in the laity; in both, superstition, bigotry and persecution.
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james madison, 'father of the constitution'
looks like the people who drafted the constitution weren't exactly for pushing religion on the people...
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