RELIGION AND STATE
Human life, in early stages of most civilizations, was controlled by religious authorities
as well as those who held political power (e.g. kings). Religion and politics were intertwined. At
some points of history, religion had a larger sway on people, at others political rulers had a larger
influence. This has historically led to several conflicts between the two institutions, often violent ones
resulting in significant bloodshed.
Slowly an idea emerged that Church and State should be seperated, that there should be a wall
between the two (specially because there are so many different religions and also today there is a
growing minority of non-believers). This is the widely prevailing concept of secular state. More and
more people are of the view that religious beliefs and practices should be confined to personal life of
each individual and civic life should be governed by a set of laws formulated by a body of persons
elected by the people. Secular concepts are an essential part of liberal democracies of the world.
Lately in some parts of the world there is a backlash against liberal democracy in the guise of
national populism. This, in my opinion, is counter-productive for human happiness.
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