oath than breaking the law, since they held in higher esteem the power of God than the power of man". (Mac. p 139) This is a great quote because it illustrates Machiavelli's view on religion perfectly; he believed that it was a tool to control the masses from the beginning of religion. Why should anyone listen to an ordinary man? What can he do to anyone? God on the other hand would have the power to punish someone in the afterlife as well as the present life. This double threat instilled a great fear among the masses.Although he somewhat badmouths the manipulation of religion by rulers, Machiavelli also points out the good that was brought about by it. "All things considered, therefore, I conclude that the religion introduced by Numa was among the primary causes of Rome's success, for this entailed good institutions; good institutions led to good fortune; and from good fortune arose the happy results of undertakings". (Mac. p 141) It is arguable whether the good outweighs the bad in this situation but he makes it quite clear that he agrees with manipulating the population through religion, if it attains a greater good. He also claims that without the 'fear' of a higher being, a society will not be as strong as it could be, in fact it might actually be weak. Another good point was raised in Machiavelli's discussion about the 'Religion of the Romans'. He points out that it is possible to create a successful society without religion however, for a much shorter time span. "kingdoms which depend on the virtue of one man do not last long, because they lose their virtue when the life is spent, and it seldom happens that it is revived by his successor". (Mach. p 141)Luther did not agree with most of Machiavelli's views. He believed that religion should be practiced because one feels that it is the right and proper thing to do. He felt that is was totally outrageous that Machiavelli even suggested that religion should be used to in...
