  == Removed Madison Quote == The quote that was previously at the top of the 'Criticism of the concept' section is frequently misinterpreted to mean that Madison was an opponent of any form of religion.  In fact, Madison was a staunch supporter of religious freedom.  The full paragraph the quote was taken from: ::You are happy in dwelling in a Land where those inestimable privileges are fully enjoyed, and public has long felt the good effects of their religious as well as Civil Liberty. Foreigners have been encouraged to settle amg. you. Industry and Virtue have been promoted by mutual emulation and mutual Inspection, Commerce and the Arts have flourished and I can not help attributing those continual exertions of Genius which appear among you to the inspiration of Liberty, and that love of Fame and Knowledge which always accompany it. Religious bondage shackles and debilitates the mind and unfits it for every noble enterprize, every expanded prospect. How far this is the Case with Virginia will more clearly appear when the ensuing Trial is made. By 'religious bondage', Madison here meant any sort of limitation on an individual's religious preferences or observances.   The way it was used here made it seem that he was referring to any religious belief as 'bondage.'     |  