Though it is very important for man as an individual that his religion should be true, that is not the case for society. Society has nothing to fear or hope from another life; what is most important for it is not that all citizens profess the true religion but that they should profess religion.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Society needs religion for order, not necessarily for theological truth.
- In plain terms
- Religion helps society function even if it is not literally true.
- What can you take from it?
- Social cohesion matters more than religious accuracy.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does truth matter more than order?
- Why do societies need religion?
Another view
This ignores the harm of false beliefs on individuals.
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