Single Idea 19938

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 10. Theocracy]

Full Idea

How pernicious it is both for religion and the state to allow ministers of things sacred to acquire the right to make decrees or handle the business of government.

Gist of Idea

Allowing religious ministers any control of the state is bad for both parties

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (Tractatus Theologico-Politicus [1670], 18.06 (1))

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Theological-Political Treatise', ed/tr. Israel,Jonathan [CUP 2007], p.234


A Reaction

Interesting that he holds it to be bad for the religion as well as the state. In Britain we have bishops in the House of Lords.