Christianity Unveiled Being An Examination of The Principles And Effects of The Christian Religion

by Paul-Henri Thiry

that to the populace a religion is necessary, be it good or bad; that it is a restraint necessary to gross and ignorant minds, which, without it, would have no longer any motive for abstaining from vice.

One of the biggest arguments in support of religion, but when does it stop being a tool necessary to use? Once the general population is "educated?" But then how do you define "educated." Similar to having an educated electorate, versus Epistocracy.

This is calculated only to degrade the mind, to render virtue odious,

Again, not sure I totally agree here. Religion being a guidely light morally is respectable, even if it can be perverted for the sake of inhumanity.

But what is it to have morals, in; the language of Christians? It is to pray without ceasing, to frequent churches, to do penance, and to: abstain from pleasure; it is to live in selfishness and solitude.

Again, not sure I totally agree. Just looking at the 7 Deadly Sins is again mostly agreeable to try to avoid behaving in a way that is "sinful."

It is necessary, then, to carefully distinguish Christian morality from political morality; the former makes saints, the latter citizens:

Seems to be arguing that societal morals come into being through policy - perhaps laws and nuanced judicial ruling. But I feel this is being said with the luxury of hundreds of years of the maturation of legal systems up to the 18th Century. Put yourself in the place of someone from 10,000 BCE, for example. Context is key.

In fact, it is certain, that man is a social being, who in all things seeks his own happiness; that he does good when he finds it his interest; that he is not commonly bad, because that would be contrary to his welfare. This being premised, let education teach men to know the relations which exist among themselves, and the duties arising from those relations; let governments, calling to their aid laws, rewards, and punishments, confirm the lessons given by education; let happiness accompany useful and virtuous actions, let shame, contempt, and chastisement be the rewards of vice. Then would mankind have a true morality, founded in their own nature upon their mutual wants, and the interest of nations at large.

Exactly. People are all inherently selfish, but that doesn't mean others and society at large can't benefit; that also being in each individuals' self-interest. Use the books of the natural world to teach; not holy scriptures. Use law, reward, and punishment to guide behavior; not fear of God. And, that will APPARENTLY lead to genuinely world wide happiness - happiness being the APPARENT goal of every one. 2 things: 1. This is just swapping faith in religion for faith in government. The incentive system is essentially still in place. 2. This assumes happiness is the goal, which I wouldn't actually challenge since it serves to be true more often than not - people wanna feel good