The Papacy is not other than the Ghost of the deceased Roman Empire, sitting crowned upon the grave thereof.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that the Papacy stands as a continuation of the historical power of the Roman Empire, symbolizing its lingering influence.
Thomas Hobbes articulates the idea that the Papacy, as a religious institution, embodies the residual authority of the Roman Empire. He implies that the Church holds a commanding position over society, much like the Empire did in its prime, thus representing not only a religious authority but a political one that continues to shape governance and culture in its wake.
In practice
In a discussion about the role of the Church in society, this quote can highlight the historical impact of religious institutions.
Baptism is the sacrament of allegiance of them that are to be received into the Kingdom of God, that is to say, into Eternal life, that is to say, to Remission of Sin. For as Eternal life was lost by the committing, so it is recovered by the remitting of men's sins.
Force and fraud are in war the two cardinal virtues.
For it is not the shape, but their use, that makes them angels.
For to accuse requires less eloquence, such is man's nature, than to excuse; and condemnation, than absolution, more resembles justice.
Scientia potentia est, sed parva; quia scientia egregia rara est, nec proinde apparens nisi paucissimis, et in paucis rebus. Scientiae enim ea natura est, ut esse intelligi non possit, nisi ab illis qui sunt scientia praediti.
The end of knowledge is power ... the scope of all speculation is the performing of some action or thing to be done.
I try to design into a world that is constantly moving, and moving me.
A lady asked Dr. Franklin Well Doctor what have we got a republic or a monarchy - "A republic," replied the Doctor, "if you can keep it."
Our best built certainties are but sand-houses and subject to damage from any wind of doubt that blows
Society is one vast conspiracy for carving one into the kind of statue likes, and then placing it in the most convenient niche it has.
What gives it its human character is that the individual through language addresses himself in the role of the others in the group and thus becomes aware of them in his own conduct.
Everyone should be respected as an individual, but no one idolized.
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