ks religion in the final chapter of The Social Contract. He believes that all forms of religion are threatening to the government and weaken it. Religion distracts everyone from attending to matters of the state. He believes that each member should put the well being of the civil society before the well being of his or her religion. Religion tends to get in the way or conflict with the well being of the state. (Social, p.179)Religion can become tyrannical and intolerant to those who will not accept their Gods. (Social, p.182) Rousseau notices examples with the Christian Crusades and Inquisitions. There was no form of tolerance when these occurred. Christianity disconnects people from what is truly important to the state and can destroy the social bond. (Social, p.182) Rousseau argues if religion is necessary, it should also be provided by the government. He sees how religion can be used to the benefit of the state. Rousseau writes, “it is very important to the state that each citizen should have a religion which makes him love his duty.”(Social, p.185) Religion can promote unity among all.A civil religion can express religious dogmas as well as a social conscience. It could be used as an extra way to make sure that everyone in the state behaves accordingly, along with laws. Everyone should publicly commit to the civil religion, with all of its dogmas. If someone behaves against those beliefs, then that person should be put to death. (Social, p.186) This leaves a connection between the government and religion, with a government enforcing the religion.Rousseau might have seen civil religion as a positive way to create a more equal society. If everyone abided by the same religion, they would be with the same beliefs as they would be with the same property and behaviors. No one could be a victim if everyone believed in the same religious dogmas. Religion could be used as another tool for control and total equality.The idea of a ...
