William Robertson Smith Quotes

Though it is very important for man as an individual that his religion should be true, that is not the case for society. Society has nothing to fear or hope from another life; what is most important for it is not that all citizens profess the true religion but that they should profess religion.

It will always be considered a praiseworthy undertaking to urge the most obstinate and incredulous to abide by the principles that impel men to live in society. There are, therefore, three distinct classes of vice and virtue: the religious, the natural, and the political. These three classes should never be in contradiction with one another.

To get people to do needed things is the perennial hard task of government, not to mention of religion and philosophy.

We can’ t renew our country unless more of us—I mean all of us—are willing to join churches.

Voting is a right that has been given to every American; however, as Christ followers, our votes should reflect our God.

Religion is organized to satisfy and guide the soul - politics does the same thing for the body.

The happiness of society is the end of government.

The profound influence of religion on American politics is vital, but it is best when indirect: on the morals, habits, and souls of individual Americans; on the political climate and the principals that should guide policy, rather than on specific policies themselves…

A good society is characterised not just by liberty but by mutual respect and responsibility. When this breaks down it takes a lot more than police officers to put things right.

The error of the Christian right is that in its attempt to codify the requirements of faith in a legislative program, it crowds out the demands of the Love Commandment …. ‘Thou shalt love they neighbor as thyself.’[

Religion should be a bridge to unite us and not a wedge to divide us politically.

One of the damnable unhappy conditions of life is sometimes Government has to make people be civil.

Why does everyone think that he can be decent enough without the policeman, but that the club is needed for "the others?

Men are to be guided only by their self-interests. Good government is a good balancing of these …

Christians must be conscious of their specific and proper role in the political community; they should be a shining example by their sense of responsibility and their dedication to the common good

The members of the Church, as members of society, have the same right and duty to promote the common good as do other citizens.

The final end of government is not to exert restraint but to do good.

The good of the people is the chief law.

From a very early age, I had imbibed the opinion that it was every man's duty to do all that lay in his power to leave the country as good as he had found it.

I am profoundly disturbed by any attempt to take government responsibility away from government … it is government’s responsibility to educate all of our children …. The fundamental responsibility for poverty of this country does not belong to the churches; it belongs to the government.

Happy the city where citizens obey. Obenientia Civium Urbis Felicitas.

The most dangerous aspect of contemporary life is the dissolution of the feeling of individual responsibility.

The end of government is the good of mankind.

The church ... is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state.