All significant concepts of the modern theory of the state are secularized theological concepts.

This line is commonly associated with Schmitt’s argument that key categories used in modern political and legal thought inherit their structure and authority from earlier theological ideas, even when presented in non-religious terms.

Modern state theory, in Schmitt’s view, does not fully break with religion; instead it repackages older religious frameworks into political and legal concepts, so the state’s core ideas mirror theological patterns.