Voltaire's Views On Religion

Voltaire believed that a constitutional monarchy with philosopher-like monarchs ruling society was the most effective form of governing. This was because he envied the freedom established by the constitutional monarchy in England, as seen in his work Lettres philosophiques sur les Anglais, which contained his positive views of the British government. He was a supporter of religious freedom and basic rights such as free speech, as well as unrestricted trade, which was mostly set in England. Because of his beliefs, Voltaire had an antagonistic view of the clergy and the Catholic Church due to their corruption and oppressive nature, and suggested that religion not be affiliated with politics. However, in the quote "If God did not exist, it would
be necessary to invent Him", it shows that he still believed that the concept of God is necessary and must exist or else ethicality would diminish, and if God was nonexistent, then one would have to be created in order to maintain stability and relative peace in society. He was heavily influenced by English philosophers such as John Locke and Isaac Newton during his exile from France in Britain. This led to him adopting many of their philosophies, a major theory being that knowledge is gained through sensed experience. Lastly, he promoted the importance of logic and common sense, as well as science instead of superstition and ignorance.