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