Yes, central. Religion helps shape a nation's moral sense and shared life, but it must bow to reason and universal rights, not justify domination.
Yes, central. Religion unites Rome and kindles virtue, but it must bow to the law and the common good, or it serves faction and shakes the Republic.
From Smith's view, religion can guide virtue, but real strength lies in free trade and sound laws. Markets and sympathy curb rulers, not domination.
