If the conflict is about the size of Israel, then long and difficult negotiations can eventually resolve the problem. But if the conflict is about the existence of Israel, then serious negotiation is impossible.
Bernard LewisRead
During the first formative centuries of its existence, Christianity was separated from and indeed antagonistic to the state, with which it only later became involved. From the lifetime of its founder, Islam was the state, and the identity of religion and government is indelibly stamped on the memories and awareness of the faithful from their own sacred writings, history, and experience.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Christianity and Islam have different historical relationships with state authority.
In this quote, Bernard Lewis highlights the contrasting historical trajectories of Christianity and Islam concerning their relationship with state power. Christianity initially existed in opposition to political authority, while Islam's foundations intertwined religion and governance from its inception, shaping the collective consciousness of its followers through sacred texts and historical experience.
Themes
ChristianityIslamStateReligionPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about the role of religion in governance, I might use this quote to illustrate the historical contexts of Christianity and Islam.
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