What do you think of these James Madison quotations regarding religion?

Question

"What influence, in fact, have ecclesiastical establishments had on society? In some instances they have been seen to erect a spiritual tyranny on the ruins of the civil authority; on many instances they have been seen upholding the thrones of political tyranny; in no instance have they been the guardians of the liberties of the people. Rulers who wish to subvert the public liberty may have found an established clergy convenient auxiliaries. A just government, instituted to secure and perpetuate it, needs them not." -"A Memorial and Remonstrance", 1785

"Experience witnesseth that ecclesiastical establishments, instead of maintaining the purity and efficacy of religion, have had a contrary operation. During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What has been its fruits? More or less, in all places, pride and indolence in the clergy; ignorance and servility in the laity; in both, superstition, bigotry and persecution." -Ibid.

Answer 1

You quoted James Madison. These founding fathers were also Deists, and there are many interesting writings from them, too:

George Washington
John Adams
John Quincey Adams
Thomas Jefferson
Ben Franklin
Thomas Paine
etc.,.

This country was based on freedom of religion for all---not Christianity, as alot of Christians would like to have you think.

Answer 2

James Madison was a leader for a 6 year old country speaking about a 1750 year old Church. I agree that the Church has some skeletons in it's closet, but I also beleive that it is not only the heirarchy of an organization but its smallest units that measure its effectiveness.

Further, look at the US. Have we done much more than his description of the Church?

Answer 3

What's to think?

You hear one goofed up, self righteous, politician you've heard them all

Answer 4

They make me want to have sexy time