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When religion is good, it will take care of itself. When it is not able to take care of itself, and God does not see fit to take care of it, so that it has to appeal to the civil power for support, it is evidence to my mind that its cause is a bad one.
Benjamin Franklin
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Interpretation

What this quote means

A good religion should thrive on its own; when it cannot, it suggests something is wrong.

This quote by Benjamin Franklin reflects the belief that a genuine and valuable religion should possess the strength to sustain itself without external support. When a religion requires the backing of civil authorities, it raises questions about its validity and significance, indicating that it may not be fulfilling its essential purpose or adapting to the needs of its followers.

Themes

ReligionBeliefPhilosophySocietyPower

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about the role of religion in modern society.

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I think that a young state, like a young virgin, should modestly stay at home, and wait the application of suitors for an alliance with her; and not run about offering her amity to all the world; and hazarding their refusal. Our virgin is a jolly one; and tho at present not very rich, will in time be a great fortune, and where she has a favorable predisposition, it seems to me well worth cultivating.
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