GROUP 3

Politics and Religion: Integration, Separation and Conflict

I. Introduction

Politics in the Philippines has traditionally been dominated by using clans and political

bosses and patronage and is characterised via law makers that make choices based totally on

fiscal incentives instead that beliefs and voters that make selections primarily based on persona

as a substitute than reasoned policies, [ CITATION Hay08 \l 13321 ]. The religion plays in the

politics of the contemporary world and the consequences that a politics of religion has on

inclusive nation-building, democracy, and human rights, [ CITATION Bue16 \l 13321 ]. 

The relation between religion and politics continues to be an important theme in political

philosophy, notwithstanding the emergent consensus (both among political theorists and

in realistic political contexts, such as the United Nations) on the right to freedom of moral

sense and on the need for some kind of separation between church and state. One purpose for

the importance of this theme is that religions frequently make strong claims on people’s

allegiance, and accepted religions make these claims on all

people, instead than just a precise community. For example, Islam has historically held that

all humans owe obedience to Allah’s will. Thus, it is probable inevitable that religious

commitment will now and again come into fighting with the needs of politics.

But spiritual beliefs and practices additionally probably guide politics in many ways. The extent

and form of this assist is as essential to political philosophers as is the possibility for conflict.

Moreover, there has been a growing pastime in minority organizations and the political rights

and entitlements they are due. One end result of this hobby is full-size interest given to

as opposed to ethnicity, gender, or wealth. [ CITATION Cal09 \l 13321 ]

II. Topics for Discussion

A. Integration

The Relationship between Religion and Politics

Religion will always play a role in crucial issues is the important role that religion plays in

identity formation. All political issues that are important eventually affect individual and

collective identity and in the process trigger religious sentiments. As long as religion plays a role

in the identities of people, it will play a role in politics.

 A religious body may be a “state” church in the sense that it has an exclusive right to

practice its faith.

 A church may be supported through taxes and subject to the direction of the government

(for example, the monarch is still officially the head of the Church of England, and the

Prime Minister is responsible for selecting the Archbishop of Canterbury).

 Particular ecclesiastical officials may have, in virtue of their office, an established role in

political institutions.

 A church may simply have a privileged role in certain public, political ceremonies (for

example, inaugurations, opening of parliament, etc.).

particular creed or belief system as its official religion, much like the “official bird” or

“official flower.

Why Religion cannot be separated from politics?

Before arguing why religion and politics should be separate, it is necessary to briefly

understand why some key thinkers believed it was necessary for religion and politics to remain

united. Niccolò Machiavelli believed ‘religion was the foundation of state and society’ he stated

that ‘rulers use religion accordingly since religion is under his control’ (Barbier, 1999:112-113).

Montesquieu also had a firm belief that religion should be part of politics as ‘religion provides

unity, harmony and social stability for society’ (Barbier, 1999:118-121). Thomas Hobbes argued

about religion and politics in many of his works, the key argument being in the context of

a religion and a world state. Hobbes argued that religion was vital for politics as ‘religion drives

people to obedience, makes them familiar with laws and how to live in a peaceful society’

(Barbier, 1991:130-131).

B. Separation

Religion and politics can be polarizing precisely because they deal with important matters

that are deeply personal and close to our passions. But these discussions do not have to be

polarizing or combative intolerance of another person’s faith is personal choice’ not a legal

requirement. “Should not make religion and politics” again this saying has a powerful truth: that

when religion is used for political purposes, it empties religion of its eternal meaning and

becomes just one more cynical method of acquiring power. But there is also a disclaimer hidden

in that phrase: that sometimes when people say “ don’t make religion and politics” they actually
mean don’t bring your faith in to the public square where I can see it in other words’ hide your

faith outside of your place of worship because we have a separation of church and state.

Separation of church and state is too important a concept to be misused especially not as a tool

for silencing opposing views. As a matter of fact, on National Religious Freedom day, it just

might be as important as ever to consider the true meaning of church/state separation and

religious freedom.

III. Issue Raised

Religion mobilizes religious sensibilities of people in order to get their support to capture power

while politics uses intrigue, diplomacy, and makes attempt to win public opinion either

democratically, if the system allows it, or usurps power with the help of army.

Tocqueville believed that ‘ separation of church and state was not only good for politics it was

especially good for religion. His reason was that separation allowed religious sentiment to arise

unclouded from its true source of strength as one of the constitutive principles of human nature.

He believed that religious fervour is harnessed in the attempt to throw off the yoke of political

oppression.

IV. Recommendation

We choose the complete separation of politics and religion in the Philippines to avoid

unnecessary overused powers of religion and make the system easy in making bill. Candidates or

political parties used religion in some point they could gain power or support from it for the
election. The government could run a state to success without religion section for better policies

and laws.