[betty boop]

Most religions are only general, simple, and practical means of teaching men the doctrine of the immortality of the soul. That is the greatest benefit which a democratic people derives from its belief, and hence belief is more necessary to such a people than to all others. When, therefore, any religion has struck its roots deep into a democracy, beware that you do not disturb it; but rather watch it carefully, as the most precious bequest of aristocratic ages.

Oh thank you so much for your kind words, dear YHAOS! With which you bring this thread back full circle to the article at the top.

In a nutshell, the article compares and contrasts the Anglo-American with the Franco-German philosophical traditions, with their respective ramifications for social and political life. The Anglo-American view traditionally, historically, is "under God." It holds God to be the creator and source of human rights, and also as the primary law-giver in the universe. In contrast, the Franco-German view seeks to describe a universe without God.

I have to thank dear kosta for his exemplification of the Franco-German approach.

Thank you ever so much for writing, dear YHAOS! I'm delighted you have found this discussion captivating!

[YHAOS]

The Anglo-American view traditionally, historically, is "under God."

Of which there is, ironically, no more articulate chronicler than this remarkable Frenchman.