The relationship between religion and politics is a very controversial issue in today's world. In the western world, it is known as the relationship between the Church and the State. The close relationship between the two in past centuries resulted in the blurring of the roles each was meant to play. As a result, especially in the western world, separation between the two is the preferred norm for social life. Democratic way of life, apart from ideologies like fascism, totalitarianism and communism, is a main contributor of the polarization between the Church and the State. This is because of the misunderstanding that democracy with power from the people might go against the power that is bestowed by God on selected people in the sacred domain. Even St. Paul asked Christians to acknowledge and obey civil authorities as there is no authority except from God This is in tune with what Jesus said to Pontius Pilate who condemned him to death that he would not have had any authority over him unless it was given from above (See John, 19:11).
If so, what is the role of religion and religious authority? The role is to draw living models of genuine human beings as far as religion is concerned. As for religious authority, it is to show that authority is not the same as power and that authority means service. Religion is endowed with the task of percolating the society with the idea of communion through service to fellow human beings. Belief in God compels us to do service to others should be the motto of true believers. Such a belief ensues in genuine service and communion as against the style of service of some of the political leaders who are self-serving under the tag of service. Religion need not enter into direct political activities in order to achieve its end and yet cannot remain blind to political developments that shape citizens' life. Some of its members may be trained to enter into political activity in order to serve the human community without any discrimination of caste, creed, religion etc. "Give to God what is God's and to Caesar what is Caesar's" is the golden rule we must follow here. In the case of the Church, it cannot be seen as Christian religion as the very concept of the church is embedded in the ideas of service and communion. The Church is nothing but a communion of believers where its visible members are ruled by a hierarchy of rulers representing Jesus Christ. However, one should not forget its invisible character that is as important, if not more, as its visible character and in its invisibility Jesus Christ is the sole head. Here there is no distinction between religions and races as the whole humanity is encompassed in the redemptive process once and for all accomplished in Jesus Christ.
The public life of an individual is relevant to the society as a whole when the particular interests of a person are subsumed under the general welfare of all. More than a brute majority in running the affairs that are of interest to all , the principle of universality as against particularity should be our guiding principle. The rights and privileges of the minority incorporated in the Indian Constitution and in various laws enacted by the State from time to time are meant to soften the might of the mere majority in public affairs. The principle of universality etched in the very structure of the Universe would be able to take care of everyone's interest if we are ready to voluntarily curb our greed for wealth and lust for power. In other words, it is in the nature of the Universe to be affected in some measure even by the most private actions of individuals. For harmony, tranquility, peace and growth, therefore, the particular and individual aspirations should conform themselves to the general and universal welfare.
Life is so interconnected that no one can be an island and prosper. Many cases of suicides may be traced to the utter loneliness and helplessness of individuals who refuse to seek help in good time. This is applicable even in our moral and ethical life besides our psychological and physical life. The spiritual life that should be the source of our energy will be nurtured when our inmost depths are actively related to God. A practical tip from the great German Philosopher Immanuel Kant regarding the way to know what is moral and ethical also points to the importance of the universal over the particular. He advised people to consider how it would affect the world if every one were to act the way they acted. If they approve of the resulting situation as contributing to the common good, they may go ahead and do it, if not, such actions are to be avoided. Similarly, the aspirations of the people on national and regional levels need not contradict each other if seen in the proper perspective.
If so, what is the role of religion and religious authority? The role is to draw living models of genuine human beings as far as religion is concerned. As for religious authority, it is to show that authority is not the same as power and that authority means service. Religion is endowed with the task of percolating the society with the idea of communion through service to fellow human beings. Belief in God compels us to do service to others should be the motto of true believers. Such a belief ensues in genuine service and communion as against the style of service of some of the political leaders who are self-serving under the tag of service. Religion need not enter into direct political activities in order to achieve its end and yet cannot remain blind to political developments that shape citizens' life. Some of its members may be trained to enter into political activity in order to serve the human community without any discrimination of caste, creed, religion etc. "Give to God what is God's and to Caesar what is Caesar's" is the golden rule we must follow here. In the case of the Church, it cannot be seen as Christian religion as the very concept of the church is embedded in the ideas of service and communion. The Church is nothing but a communion of believers where its visible members are ruled by a hierarchy of rulers representing Jesus Christ. However, one should not forget its invisible character that is as important, if not more, as its visible character and in its invisibility Jesus Christ is the sole head. Here there is no distinction between religions and races as the whole humanity is encompassed in the redemptive process once and for all accomplished in Jesus Christ.
The public life of an individual is relevant to the society as a whole when the particular interests of a person are subsumed under the general welfare of all. More than a brute majority in running the affairs that are of interest to all , the principle of universality as against particularity should be our guiding principle. The rights and privileges of the minority incorporated in the Indian Constitution and in various laws enacted by the State from time to time are meant to soften the might of the mere majority in public affairs. The principle of universality etched in the very structure of the Universe would be able to take care of everyone's interest if we are ready to voluntarily curb our greed for wealth and lust for power. In other words, it is in the nature of the Universe to be affected in some measure even by the most private actions of individuals. For harmony, tranquility, peace and growth, therefore, the particular and individual aspirations should conform themselves to the general and universal welfare.
Life is so interconnected that no one can be an island and prosper. Many cases of suicides may be traced to the utter loneliness and helplessness of individuals who refuse to seek help in good time. This is applicable even in our moral and ethical life besides our psychological and physical life. The spiritual life that should be the source of our energy will be nurtured when our inmost depths are actively related to God. A practical tip from the great German Philosopher Immanuel Kant regarding the way to know what is moral and ethical also points to the importance of the universal over the particular. He advised people to consider how it would affect the world if every one were to act the way they acted. If they approve of the resulting situation as contributing to the common good, they may go ahead and do it, if not, such actions are to be avoided. Similarly, the aspirations of the people on national and regional levels need not contradict each other if seen in the proper perspective.
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