Full Idea
The church [as opposed to religion] fulfils a genuine political necessity, for it enables the people to regard themselves as subjects of an invisible supreme power to which they must pay homage.
Gist of Idea
The church has a political role, by offering a supreme power over people
Source
Immanuel Kant (Metaphysics of Morals I: Doctrine of Right [1797], §49 Gen C)
A Reaction
I'm sure I remember Marx putting a different spin on this point… This idea captures the conservative attitude to established religion, at least in the UK.
Book Reference
Kant,Immanuel: 'Political Writings', ed/tr. Reiss,Hans [CUP 1996], p.150
Related Idea
Idea 7128 Religion is the opium of the people, and real happiness requires its abolition [Marx]