Give any orthodox church the power, and to-day they would punish heresy with whip, and chain, and fire. As long as a church deems a certain belief essential to salvation, just so long it will kill and burn if it has the power.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote asserts that religious institutions will inevitably punish dissent if given the power, as they view their beliefs as essential to salvation.
- In plain terms
- Churches will burn or kill heretics if they have the authority to do so.
- What can you take from it?
- Concentrated religious power leads to persecution of differing beliefs.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does power corrupt religious institutions?
- What protects minority beliefs?
Another view
The claim generalizes the behavior of all orthodox churches across history.
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