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Single Idea 20004

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

Full Idea

Louis XIII was made extremely uneasy by the law that enslaved all the negroes in his colonies. But when told that this was the most efficacious way of converting them, he gave his consent.

Gist of Idea

French slavery was accepted because it was the best method of religious conversion

Source

Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757) [1748], 15.04)

A Reaction

That is a spectaculary bad advert for giving an established religion a leading role in society. It is relevant to the upbringing of children, as well as to slaves.

Book Reference

Montesquieu,Baron de: 'Selected Political Writings', ed/tr. Richter,Melvin [Hackett 1990], p.203