WI: No Civil Consitution of the Clergy and Clerical Oath

The passage of the Civil Constitution of the Clergy and Clerical Oath during the latter half of 1790, by the then National Constituent Assembly has been considered by many historians to be the first, if not greatest turning point in the tumultuous course of the French Revolution. Because of the implementation of such legislation, it forced citizens for the first time to side either with or against the Revolution.

Let's assume, for the sake of parlour games that this legislation was never implemented by the National Constituent Assembly. The question I pose to you all is what effect, if any at all would it have on the course of the Revolution?
 
Hard to say. I would venture that the Revolution wouldn't be quite as radical or demonized as OTL. Of course, you could go the other way and say that this would steal much of the Revolution's later fervor.
Hell, that's a real chin-scratcher.
 
My first guess is that this would reduce Chouans/vendeens wars by a lot as this was one of the main sticking points.

The other is that this would keep a lot of agents of the princes in position to consipire or preach against the republic. Especially as the attainment of church lands and wealth still goes on.

I guess no jureurs is possible, but there will still be quite a few execution of clergy for treason against the republic. I expect the civil wars will still be fought but be less bitter - maybe no torture of prisonners by either camp -, less extend - less paysant volunteer to fight - and easier to end by treaty - as there is no religious problem -.

OTOH, with a reduced civil war, will the revolution's armies will have less veterans. So will they still be able to beat the armies of the coalised kings of europe? If that's not the case, even if revolution is safe in France itself ( because Valmy still occurs ), the revolutionary model is not as spread out in europe and monarchy remains an unchallenged ideal. This may butterfly away 1848.
 
Top