Single Idea 19850

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 2. Religion in Society]

Full Idea

In separating the theological system from the political system, Jesus made the state to cease being united and caused internal divisions. Since this new idea of an otherwordly kingdom had never entered the heads of pagans, they saw Christians as rebels.

Gist of Idea

By separating theological and political systems, Jesus caused divisions in the state

Source

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract (tr Cress) [1762], IV.8)

Book Reference

Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Basic Political Writings', ed/tr. Cress,Donald A. [Hackett 1987], p.221


A Reaction

This is the sort of stuff that made Rousseau a vast number of enemies, which embittered him. It is the sort of cool assessment which became commonplace in Germany sixty year later.