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James Madison:
“What influence in fact have Christian ecclesiastical establishments had on civil society? In many instances they have been upholding the thrones of political tyranny. In no instance have they been seen as the guardians of the liberties of the people. Rulers who wished to subvert the public liberty have found in the clergy convenient auxiliaries. A just government, instituted to secure and perpetuate liberty, does not need the clergy.”
via Thomas Jefferson. earlyamericanhistory.net
Related articles
- Religion and the State Governments (Religion and the Founding of the American Republic, Library of Congress Exhibition) (yumaprogressive.wordpress.com)
