Teaching by Contradictions: Montesquieu's Subversion of Piety in <i>The Spirit of the Laws</i>

Abstract Building on studies by Thomas L. Pangle and Robert C. Bartlett, this article contends that Montesquieu's rhetorical moderation with respect to religion in The Spirit of the Laws serves a substantively radical project, is, gradual diminution religious devotion through spread liberal-commercial civilization. Taking up major passages praise for general Christianity particular, I examine strategy allows Montesquieu claim mantle spite his radicalism crucial issue: allowing prominently advertised positions be undercut own historical observations comparisons, thus teaching contradictions. also argue that, notwithstanding treating faith merely from practical point view, offers theoretical challenge revealed religion.