I agree with Tocqueville that religion has an indispensable social function: "How is it possible that society should escape destruction if the moral tie is not strengthened in proportion as the political tie is relaxed?"

Instead of a confused mass, the orchestra would appear to you as what it is--a marvellously balanced organism whose various groups of members each have a different and an indispensable function.

Mr. Schlesinger, who holds "religion in high regard," agrees with Tocqueville, an atheist, that religion has "an indispensable social function" where morality is concerned.

So are all attempts to explain the workings of the universe without recognizing the existence of the ether and the indispensable function it plays in the phenomena.

Which is not to disparage the term or, for that matter, the indispensable function it connotes.

They fulfill an indispensable civic function, casting light where the rich and powerful would prefer to transact by slippery feel.

It is the means this animal, Homo sap., has evolved-quite unconsciously-for performing this indispensable function and be happy while doing so.

Although motherhood is a social function indispensable to society's development, discrimination against women for being mothers and workers continues, which, well into the 21st century, is scandalous.

Probably no-one in this House is unaware of the indispensable ecological function of the honey bee in the natural environment or of the economic significance of the pollination carried out by bee colonies and therefore of the importance of bee-keeping.

Latitude in this area is necessary to ensure effectuation of this indispensable function of government.