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Full Idea
Religion can support the state when the laws themselves lack the power to do so.
Gist of Idea
Religion can support the state when the law fails to do so
Source
Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757) [1748], 24.16)
Book Ref
Montesquieu,Baron de: 'Selected Political Writings', ed/tr. Richter,Melvin [Hackett 1990], p.236
A Reaction
A thought which didn't occur to Spinoza, but then the thought merely confirms that religion offers a rival to the rule of law.
Related Idea
Idea 19938 Allowing religious ministers any control of the state is bad for both parties [Spinoza]