The Political Theology of David Hume

Hume's concern for religion is evidenced by his references to it throughout his works. Indeed, he claims in the Natural History that "every enquiry, which regards religion, is of the utmost importance." Commentators have often treated Hume's interest in religion as theoretical, as though he was primarily concerned to establish religion's truth or falsity. Yet in the Essays and History of England he indicates that disputes over religious forms and beliefs are "frivolous" and "utterly absurd." This raises an obvious question: if disagreements concerning religion are "frivolous" and "absurd," then why are inquiries regarding religion of "the utmost importance"? Hume's answer is political in nature. "Religion," he says in the History, "can never be deemed a point of small consequence in civil government." He there calls our attention to religious disputes not on detached theoretical grounds, but "only so far as they have influence on the peace and order of civil society." This dissertation argues that the way to approach Hume on religion is through his understanding of the relationship between religion and political life, that is to say, through his "political theology." To bring out different aspects of the political problem of religion, each of this dissertation's four chapters focuses on the textual analysis of a particular work: A Treatise of Human Nature, The Natural History of Religion , Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, and The History of England. The findings of this dissertation show that Hume's critique of various religions concerns their effects on the liberty and stability of society. The dissertation also shows that Hume's "remedy" for the oppressive and destabilizing effects of religion does not involve its elimination from society, but rather the curbing of its negative social effects. Hume holds that a secular civic education, "good government," state-established religion, the advancement of the arts and sciences, and material prosperity curb people's reliance on religion in moral, cultural, and political matters. Skeptical religious education, in particular, is central to Hume's remedy, for opinions and habits must be shaped in order for people to look at religious questions as secondary (or even inimical) to the peace of society.