Why “the separation of church and state” is good for religion

I do not believe that religion is self-regulating or tolerant regarding social power unless constrained by democratic mechanisms based on liberty, equality, due process, human rights, and social justice. Without these values and principles, we might still be killing each other in the name of God.

For example, the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century never arrived at a consensus on the issue of church and state. Many people died on the battlefield of church/state relations.

Ironically, the Reformation unintentionally contributed to toleration. Religious wars and cruel bloodshed proved that religion could not manage itself. The different Christian churches and sects, if allowed to, would destroy each other for the sake of their “truth.”

A couple of hundred years later, “the separation of church and state” appeared to be the best guarantee of both religious toleration and social order. Unfortunately, religion has not demonstrated that it can handle unchecked social power without becoming intolerant and totalitarian.

If I were to begin building a social order from scratch, I would not put religion in charge. Religion would have a place, but it would not be in charge. This, to me, is the meaning of “the separation of church and state.”

This is actually good for religion. It is not good for religion to have the state meddling in its affairs. It is not good for religion to be ruled by secular politicians. It is not good for religion to be co-opted to the secular powers. It is not good for religion to be an arm of the government. It is not good for religion to be manipulated and exploited by policy makers. It is not good for religion to depend on the state to enforce its beliefs and rituals on others. In order to maintain its integrity, religion must remain free of state control.

Religion at its best should be a prophetic voice calling all governments to account to a transcendent moral standard. This is the prophetic role of religion. It speaks out against injustice, it calls into question blind nationalism, and it challenges economic policies and militarism.

Religion should speak out on behalf of the poor, the vulnerable, the needy, and the oppressed. Religion should take a stand for a transcendent order and a moral law grounded in God. It should stand in judgment of all governments and worship none. When religion does this, it is fulfilling its main function in relation to the state. But religion cannot do this apart from the separation of church and state.