Hume on Religion

Scottish philosopher David Hume considers the role of religion via Cleanthes his “experimental theist” voice:

The proper office of religion is to regulate the hearts of men, humanize their conduct, infuse the spirit of temperance, order, and obedience; and, as its operation is silent and only enforces the motives of morality and justice, it is in danger of being overlooked and confounded with these other motives. When it distinguishes itself, and acts as a separate principle over men, it has departed from its proper sphere and has become only a cover to faction and ambition.

Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, 1750-1776