Editing Benjamin Constant (section)

==Comparative religion==
Aside from his political and literary output, Constant spent forty years working on religion and religious feeling. His publications demonstrate his desire to grasp this social phenomenon inherent to human nature, which, in whatever forms it may present, is always a search for [[perfectibility]]. If its manifestations become rigid, splitting becomes inevitable. Thus, however religious feeling may present, it needs to adapt and evolve.

Constant is adamant that political authority should not meddle in the religious beliefs of the citizenry, even to defend them. In his view it is up to each person to decide where to seek their consolation, moral compass or faith. External authority cannot act upon someone's convictions, it can only act upon their interests.<ref>Constant. Principes de politique, Livre VIII, chapitre IV</ref> He also condemns a religion that is commonly regarded as utilitarian, since it degrades authentic religious feeling.

Constant considers that it was necessary for [[polytheism]] to decline in line with human progress. The more humans progress in their understanding, the more beneficial the effects of [[theism]].<ref>Constant. ''Polythéisme romain'', II, p. 312</ref> Belief in a god has itself evolved. Christianity, especially [[Protestantism]] is, he argues, its most tolerant form and an indicator of intellectual, moral and spiritual evolution.