17.1 Religion and Government

Religious freedom is the right of individuals and communities to practice their religion or belief without interference, coercion, or discrimination from the government or other entities. It encompasses the freedom to change one's religion or beliefs and the freedom not to follow any religion at all. This concept is vital for ensuring that societies are inclusive and respectful of diverse spiritual practices and beliefs.

Secularism: The principle of separating religion from political, social, and educational institutions, ensuring that government remains neutral in matters of faith.

Persecution: The systematic mistreatment or oppression of individuals or groups based on their religious beliefs, often involving violence or discrimination.

Ecumenism: The movement aimed at promoting unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations, fostering understanding and respect across religious divides.

Separation of church and state is a principle that advocates for the division between religious institutions and government entities, ensuring that religious groups do not influence state affairs and that the government does not interfere in religious practices. This concept is essential for maintaining religious freedom and preventing theocracy, where religion governs political matters, thus allowing diverse beliefs to coexist peacefully in society.

Secularism: A philosophy that promotes the idea that government should remain neutral on religious matters and that religion should not play a role in public policy.

Theocracy: A system of government in which religious leaders control the government, and religious law is used as the basis for legal decisions.

Religious Freedom: The right of individuals to practice their religion without interference from the government or other entities.

A theocracy is a system of government in which religious leaders control the political authority, and the laws are based on religious law. In this system, the government is seen as divinely guided, meaning that religious doctrines heavily influence political decisions and policies. Theocracies often merge the roles of church and state, leading to a unique interplay between religious belief and governance.

Clericalism: A political system where clergy members hold significant power and influence over government policies and decisions.

Religious Fundamentalism: A strict adherence to specific religious beliefs, often accompanied by a desire to impose those beliefs on societal laws and practices.

Secularism: The principle of separating religion from political, social, and educational institutions, promoting a system where government is neutral in matters of faith.

Secularism is the principle of separating religion from political, social, and educational institutions, promoting a worldview where religion does not dictate public policy or influence governance. This concept aims to ensure that individuals can practice their beliefs freely while maintaining a neutral public sphere, accommodating diverse perspectives and fostering coexistence among various religious and non-religious groups.

Religious Freedom: The right of individuals to practice their religion without interference from the government, encompassing the ability to change one's religion or belief.

Pluralism: A social structure that recognizes and affirms the coexistence of multiple diverse groups, beliefs, and values within a society.

Atheism: The absence of belief in gods or deities, often associated with secular philosophies that emphasize reason and scientific inquiry over religious doctrine.

The United States First Amendment is a key part of the Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791, that guarantees essential freedoms including the freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. This amendment is foundational in establishing a democratic society where individuals can express their beliefs and opinions without government interference, making it crucial in discussions surrounding the relationship between religion and government.

Establishment Clause: A provision in the First Amendment that prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or favoring one religion over another.

Free Exercise Clause: A component of the First Amendment that protects individuals' rights to practice their religion as they see fit, without government interference.

Separation of Church and State: The principle that government must remain neutral in religious matters and should not favor or inhibit any religion.

Religious political parties are political organizations that primarily base their ideologies and policies on religious beliefs and values. These parties often seek to influence governance and public policy by integrating religious perspectives into political discourse, reflecting the intertwining of faith and politics in various societies.

Theocracy: A system of government in which priests or religious leaders control the government, and the state's legal system is based on religious law.

Secularism: The principle of separating religion from political, social, and educational institutions, aiming to create a neutral public space free from religious influence.

Fundamentalism: A strict adherence to specific theological doctrines typically in reaction against modernity, which often fuels the desire for political power through religious means.

Christian Democratic Parties in Europe are political parties that emphasize Christian values and social teachings, typically advocating for social market economies, welfare state policies, and traditional family values. These parties emerged primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in response to the rise of socialism and secularism, often seeking to balance faith with political governance in a modern context.

Social Market Economy: An economic system that combines free market capitalism with social policies that establish fair competition and a welfare state.

Catholic Social Teaching: A body of doctrine developed by the Catholic Church on social, economic, and political issues, guiding Christian democratic ideology.

Center-Right Politics: A political ideology that typically favors tradition, free enterprise, and a limited role for government in economic affairs, aligning closely with Christian democratic values.

Islamist parties in the Middle East are political organizations that seek to implement Islamic principles and laws in governance, blending religious beliefs with political objectives. These parties often advocate for a greater role of Islam in public life, influencing policies on social issues, law, and government structure while responding to socio-political dynamics in their respective countries.

Political Islam: A broad term encompassing movements and ideologies that aim to incorporate Islamic principles into political systems and governance.

Muslim Brotherhood: One of the oldest and most influential Islamist movements, founded in Egypt, advocating for social and political reform based on Islamic values.

Sharia Law: Islamic legal framework derived from the Quran and Hadith that governs various aspects of life, including ethics, family law, and criminal justice.

Religious lobbying refers to the organized effort by religious groups to influence political decisions and legislation that align with their beliefs and values. This practice allows religious organizations to advocate for specific policies, engage in campaigns, and mobilize followers to participate in the political process, thereby bridging the gap between faith and governance.

Advocacy: The act of supporting or arguing for a cause or policy, often involving organized efforts to influence decision-makers.

Separation of Church and State: The principle that government should remain neutral in religious matters and not favor any religion, while allowing individuals to freely practice their faith.

Interest Groups: Organizations formed to promote specific causes or interests, including religious, economic, or social issues, often engaging in lobbying efforts.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is a national assembly of bishops from the Roman Catholic Church in the United States, formed to promote the greater good of the Catholic Church and address social, moral, and spiritual issues. The USCCB serves as a collective voice for the bishops, helping them to articulate their positions on various political and social matters, influencing both policy and public opinion in relation to religion and government.

Catholic Social Teaching: A body of doctrine developed by the Catholic Church that addresses social, economic, and political issues based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Liturgy: The official public worship of the Church, including the Mass and other sacraments, which is a significant aspect of Catholic life.

Religious Freedom: The right of individuals to practice their religion without government interference, which is a key concern for the USCCB in advocating for policies that support this freedom.

The Family Research Council (FRC) is a conservative Christian advocacy organization based in the United States, focusing on promoting traditional family values and influencing public policy. It seeks to educate policymakers and the public about issues related to family, marriage, and religious liberty, often aligning its efforts with specific religious beliefs that emphasize the importance of family as defined by traditional norms.

Conservatism: A political and social philosophy that promotes retaining traditional social institutions and values, often emphasizing family, religion, and limited government.

Religious Liberty: The principle that individuals should be free to practice their religion without interference from the government, which is a central focus of advocacy for organizations like the FRC.

Lobbying: The act of attempting to influence decisions made by government officials, often through organized groups such as the FRC that seek to advocate for specific policies.

Christian Democracy is a political ideology that seeks to apply Christian principles to public policy and governance, emphasizing social justice, moral values, and the importance of community. It emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to modern secularism and the challenges posed by industrialization and socialism, advocating for a balance between individual rights and social responsibility.

Social Teaching: The body of doctrine developed by the Catholic Church that addresses social, economic, and political issues from a moral perspective.

Political Theology: A field of study that explores the relationship between religious beliefs and political authority, often focusing on how faith informs governance.

Welfare State: A government system that provides social services and financial support to its citizens, often influenced by Christian democratic values aimed at promoting social welfare.

Islamic fundamentalism is a movement within Islam that seeks to return to what its followers perceive as the original principles and practices of the religion, emphasizing strict adherence to Islamic law (Sharia) and often opposing modern interpretations of Islam. This movement often arises in response to perceived threats from Western influence and seeks to create a society governed by Islamic values, impacting both cultural practices and political structures.

Sharia: Islamic law derived from the Quran and Hadith, governing all aspects of a Muslim's life, including daily routines, ethics, and legal matters.

Jihad: A term often associated with Islamic fundamentalism, referring to the struggle or effort in the path of God, which can manifest as both personal spiritual growth and collective action, including militant struggles.

Salafism: A branch of Islamic fundamentalism that advocates a return to the practices of the earliest Muslims (the Salaf) and often emphasizes a literal interpretation of Islamic texts.

Liberation theology is a religious movement that emphasizes the role of faith in addressing social, economic, and political injustices, particularly in Latin America. It connects Christian teachings with the struggle for the oppressed, advocating for social change and liberation from systemic inequalities, often challenging existing power structures within government and society.

Social Justice: The concept that all individuals deserve equal rights and opportunities within society, promoting fairness and equity in social, economic, and political realms.

Preferential Option for the Poor: A principle within liberation theology that prioritizes the needs and rights of the poor and marginalized in society when making decisions and policies.

Base Ecclesial Communities: Small groups formed within the Catholic Church to foster community engagement and social action, often central to the practice of liberation theology.

Hindu nationalism is a political ideology that seeks to define Indian culture in terms of Hindu values and promotes the idea of India as a nation primarily for Hindus. This ideology emerged in response to colonialism and is characterized by a strong emphasis on cultural identity, religious sentiments, and the notion of Hindutva, which stresses the significance of Hindu heritage and values in the public sphere.

Hindutva: An ideology that emphasizes Hindu cultural identity and advocates for the establishment of a Hindu nation in India.

RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh): A right-wing Hindu nationalist organization that plays a significant role in promoting Hindu nationalism and influencing Indian politics.

Secularism: The principle of separating religion from government, which is often challenged by the rise of Hindu nationalism in India.

Article 18 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights asserts that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. This includes the freedom to change their religion or belief and the freedom, either alone or in community with others, to manifest their religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance. This article connects individual rights with the broader themes of religious expression and governmental authority.

Freedom of Religion: The right to practice any religion or none at all without interference from the government.

Secularism: The principle of separating religion from political and governmental institutions.

Human Rights: Fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death.

Religious pluralism refers to the acceptance and coexistence of diverse religious beliefs and practices within a society. This concept acknowledges that multiple religions can provide meaningful paths to truth and morality, fostering an environment where individuals are free to express their beliefs and engage with others in dialogue. Religious pluralism plays a significant role in shaping cultural dynamics, influencing new religious movements, impacting ethical discussions, and affecting relationships between religion and government.

Ecumenism: The movement aimed at promoting unity among different Christian denominations, often seen as a specific form of religious pluralism within Christianity.

Interfaith Dialogue: Conversations and initiatives aimed at promoting understanding and cooperation between different religious traditions.

Secularism: The principle of separating religion from political, social, and educational institutions, which can influence the extent and expression of religious pluralism in society.

Sharia law refers to the Islamic legal system derived from the Quran and Hadith, encompassing a wide range of regulations that govern both personal and communal aspects of life for Muslims. It includes guidelines on morality, ethics, social justice, and criminal justice, and serves as a framework for Muslims to adhere to in their daily lives. The interpretation and implementation of sharia can vary significantly across different cultures and communities.

Quran: The holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, which serves as a primary source for sharia law.

Hadith: The recorded sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, which provide additional context and guidance for interpreting the Quran and applying sharia law.

Fiqh: Islamic jurisprudence that interprets sharia law, allowing scholars to derive legal rulings based on the Quran and Hadith to address new situations.

Halakha refers to the collective body of Jewish law, including biblical laws, rabbinical interpretations, and customs that guide the moral and religious conduct of Jews. It serves as a crucial framework for daily life in Judaism, affecting everything from dietary laws to prayer rituals and ethical behavior. Halakha is central to understanding how different branches of Judaism interpret laws and practices, and it also plays a significant role in the relationship between religion and government.

Kashrut: The set of Jewish dietary laws that determine what foods are permissible and how they must be prepared.

Mitzvah: A commandment or good deed prescribed by Jewish law, which is considered an important aspect of Jewish life and practice.

Shulchan Aruch: A key codification of Jewish law written in the 16th century by Rabbi Joseph Caro, serving as a comprehensive guide to halakha.