"Revealed religion is one thing, revealed legislation, another"
- Moses Mendelssohn
About this Quote
Moses Mendelssohn's quote recommends that there is a distinction in between religion and legislation. Revealed faith describes the belief in a greater power, such as God, and the teachings of a specific faith. Revealed legislation, on the other hand, is the set of laws and policies that govern a society. Mendelssohn's quote suggests that while religion is based upon faith and spiritual beliefs, legislation is based on practical considerations and undergoes alter. This distinction is very important because it highlights the requirement for a separation between church and state. Faith needs to not be utilized to determine laws, as this could cause the injustice of particular groups or people. Rather, laws must be based upon the principles of justice and fairness, and should be used equally to all members of society.
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"War is the greatest plague that can afflict humanity, it destroys religion, it destroys states, it destroys families. Any scourge is preferable to it"
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"We must respect the other fellow's religion, but only in the sense and to the extent that we respect his theory that his wife is beautiful and his children smart"