Book XXIV, Chapter 3
Moderate government is best suited to the Christian religion; despotic to the Mahometan.
Read in Books4Free →Religion in Relation to Civil Laws
From The Spirit of Laws by Montesquieu
Religion shapes and is shaped by political form: gentle religions suit moderate governments and despotism needs harsh ones; toleration is generally beneficial where multiple religions already exist.
Book XXV, Chapter 9
On toleration in matters of religion - prudential argument for accommodation.
Read in Books4Free →Book XXIV, Chapter 1
Considers religions "only in relation to the good they produce in civil society" - methodological note that scandalized clergy.
Read in Books4Free →Read or Listen to The Spirit of Laws on Books4Free
Every chapter free to read. Free audio narration on the opening chapter. Plus an AI study assistant that knows the book.
Open in Books4Free →