Opinions offensive are of two sorts: some savoring of impiety, and some of incivility. Against the first, Christ Jesus never called for the sword of steel to help the sword of the spirit, that two-edged sword that comes out of the mouth of the Lord Jesus... The second sort, to wit, opinions of incivility, doubtless the opinions as well as practices are the proper object of the civil sword...
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Offensive opinions fall into two categories: those involving impiety and those involving incivility; spiritual matters should not be policed by force, but civil order can address incivility.
- In plain terms
- Some bad opinions are about God and some are about manners; don't use swords for the first, but the second can be regulated.
- What can you take from it?
- Distinguish between religious belief and civil behavior when considering punishment.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where should the line be drawn between belief and behavior?
- When is civil force appropriate?
Another view
The distinction between impiety and incivility can be subjective and culturally dependent.
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