Maurras, with perfect logic, is an atheist. The Cardinal [Richelieu], in postulating something whose whole reality is confined to this world as an absolute value, committed the sin of idolatry. ... The real sin of idolatry is always committed on behalf of something similar to the State. [p. 199]
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Putting the State or worldly power above all else is a form of idolatry similar to worshipping false gods.
- In plain terms
- Treating the government as the most important thing is like worshipping a fake god.
- What can you take from it?
- Elevating the State to an absolute value is idolatry.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What do we worship today?
- Is the state a modern god?
Another view
The comparison between state power and religious idolatry may be too broad for some political theories.
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