Meaning: Madalyn Murray O'Hair was an American atheist activist who, during the mid-20th century, became well-known for her strong opposition to prayer in public schools and her efforts to promote the separation of church and state. The quote you provided reflects O'Hair's belief that when the church and state form an unconstitutional partnership, the church can wield significant influence and control over individuals and society, even if this control is not immediately apparent.

O'Hair's quote speaks to the potential dangers of religious institutions aligning themselves with the state in a way that infringes upon the rights and freedoms of individuals. It suggests that when the church and state become intertwined in an unconstitutional manner, the church can exert subtle yet powerful forms of control over people's lives and choices.

The concept of an "unconstitutional partnership" between the church and state alludes to the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which prohibits the establishment of a state religion and guarantees freedom of religion. O'Hair's perspective is rooted in her staunch advocacy for the strict separation of church and state, a position she passionately defended throughout her career as an activist.

O'Hair's concerns about the potential for the church to impose "irresistible, if covert, controls" reflect her belief that even in a secular society, the influence of religious institutions can be pervasive and insidious. She suggests that when the church and state collaborate in ways that violate constitutional principles, the church can wield power in ways that are difficult to resist or even recognize.

The phrase "irresistible, if covert, controls" implies that the influence exerted by the church in such a partnership may not be overt or easily identifiable. Instead, O'Hair suggests that it can be subtle and pervasive, permeating various aspects of individuals' lives and decision-making processes.

O'Hair's quote also underscores the potential dangers of unchecked religious authority and the importance of maintaining a clear separation between religious institutions and the state. Her perspective aligns with broader discussions about the proper role of religion in public life and the need to safeguard individual liberties from undue religious influence.

In conclusion, Madalyn Murray O'Hair's quote encapsulates her concerns about the dangers of an unconstitutional partnership between the church and state. It reflects her staunch advocacy for the separation of church and state, and her belief that when religious institutions exert influence in ways that violate constitutional principles, they can impose subtle yet powerful forms of control over individuals and society. O'Hair's perspective continues to fuel discussions about the proper boundaries between religion and government in modern societies.