In an unconstitutional partnership with the state, the church can impose the most irresistible, if covert, controls conceivable.

Meaning of the quote

The quote suggests that when the church works secretly with the government, it can control people's lives in ways that are very hard to resist, even though this partnership goes against the Constitution. The church can use hidden methods to influence people's thoughts and actions, even though the government and the church are supposed to be separate.

About Madalyn Murray O’Hair

Madalyn Murray O’Hair was an American atheist activist who founded the American Atheists organization. She is best known for the Murray v. Curlett lawsuit that challenged mandatory prayer and Bible reading in public schools, leading to a Supreme Court ruling that such practices were unconstitutional. O’Hair and her family later mysteriously disappeared and were found to have been murdered by former associates.

More about the author

More quotes from Madalyn Murray O’Hair

I feel that everyone who wants to say anything, do anything, should be able to say anything or do anything, within the limits of not hurting another person.

Madalyn Murray O’Hair

American atheist activist (1919-1995)

Religion is induced insanity.

Madalyn Murray O’Hair

American atheist activist (1919-1995)

An Atheist believes that a hospital should be built instead of a church. An atheist believes that deed must be done instead of prayer said. An atheist strives for involvement in life and not escape into death. He wants disease conquered, poverty vanished, war eliminated.

Madalyn Murray O’Hair

American atheist activist (1919-1995)

In an unconstitutional partnership with the state, the church can impose the most irresistible, if covert, controls conceivable.

Madalyn Murray O’Hair

American atheist activist (1919-1995)

I want three words: Woman, Atheist, Anarchist. That’s me.

Madalyn Murray O’Hair

American atheist activist (1919-1995)

No god ever gave any man anything, nor ever answered any prayer at any time – nor ever will.

Madalyn Murray O’Hair

American atheist activist (1919-1995)

Religion has caused more misery to all of mankind in every stage of human history than any other single idea.

Madalyn Murray O’Hair

American atheist activist (1919-1995)

I feel that everyone has a right to be insane.

Madalyn Murray O’Hair

American atheist activist (1919-1995)

The relationships that people have – that are sexual, psychological, emotional – these relationships are not open to supervision by parents, schools, churches, or government. Nobody has any right to intervene at all in any kind of relationship like that.

Madalyn Murray O’Hair

American atheist activist (1919-1995)