17.1 Religion and Government

Religion and government intersect in complex ways worldwide. From theocracies to secular states, the relationship between faith and politics varies greatly. This topic explores how different systems handle religious influence and rights.

Religious freedom, pluralism, and the separation of church and state are key issues. We'll examine how governments navigate religious diversity, protect religious rights, and balance secular and faith-based influences on law and policy.

Forms of Government

Theocratic and Secular Governments

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• Theocracy is a form of government in which a deity or a divine being is recognized as the supreme civil ruler, with laws being interpreted by ecclesiastical authorities (Iran)
• Theocracies often have a state religion, an official religion that is given special status and privileges by the government
• Secularism is the principle of separation of the state from religious institutions, with no state religion
• Secular governments treat all religions equally under the law and do not favor or discriminate against any particular religion (United States, France)

Separation of Church and State

• Separation of church and state is the legal and political principle that government and religious institutions should remain separate and independent of each other
• This principle aims to protect both religious freedom and the neutrality of the state in religious matters
• In countries with separation of church and state, the government cannot establish an official religion, endorse or favor any particular religion, or interfere with religious practices (as long as they do not violate laws) (United States First Amendment)
• The degree and nature of separation between church and state can vary significantly between countries, ranging from strict separation (France) to more accommodationist approaches (Germany)

Religious Influence on Politics

Religious Political Parties and Lobbying

• Religious political parties are political parties that base their platforms and policies on religious principles and values
• These parties often seek to implement laws and policies that align with their religious beliefs and may advocate for a greater role of religion in public life (Christian Democratic parties in Europe, Islamist parties in the Middle East)
• Religious lobbying involves religious organizations or groups seeking to influence political decisions and legislation in accordance with their religious beliefs and interests
• Religious lobbies may focus on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, education, or social welfare policies (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Family Research Council)

Religion and Political Ideology

• Religion can shape political ideologies, which are sets of ideas and beliefs about how society should be organized and governed
• Some political ideologies, such as Christian democracy or Islamic fundamentalism, are explicitly based on religious principles and seek to apply these principles to politics
• Other ideologies, such as conservatism or liberalism, may be influenced by religious values but are not exclusively based on them
• The relationship between religion and political ideology can be complex and varies across different contexts and societies (Liberation Theology in Latin America, Hindu nationalism in India)

Religious Rights

Religious Freedom and Pluralism

• Religious freedom is the right of individuals and groups to practice, worship, and express their religious beliefs without interference or persecution from the government or others
• This right is often protected by national constitutions and international human rights treaties (United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 18)
• Religious pluralism is the recognition and acceptance of diverse religious beliefs and practices within a society
• Pluralistic societies allow for the coexistence of multiple religions and protect the rights of religious minorities
• Governments can promote religious pluralism through policies that ensure equal treatment and non-discrimination of different religious groups (Indonesia's official recognition of six religions)

Religious Law and Its Application

• Religious law refers to legal systems or codes derived from religious texts, traditions, or authorities
• Some countries incorporate elements of religious law into their national legal systems, either through formal recognition or by allowing religious communities to apply their own laws in certain areas (Sharia law in some Muslim-majority countries, Halakha in Israel)
• The application of religious law can raise complex questions about the relationship between religious and secular authorities, individual rights, and equality under the law
• Debates often arise over the extent to which religious law should be accommodated or limited within secular legal frameworks (Controversy over Sharia councils in the United Kingdom)