Fox writes, “when governments restrict and regulate the state’s dominant religion, it is often an acknowledgment of the continuing importance of religion in the public sphere” (538). The assumption contradicts the idea that separation of religion and state (SRAS) is an essential underpinning for modernization of political and social processes in a country.
Moreover, democratic forces do not exclude entirely the influence of state on religion, which also signifies the substantial role of clergy in the community. Recognition of complex relations between government and church provides a new outlook on the development of modern societies because both the state and religion are closely interrelated units that have a substantial impact on social, political, and cultural development of society.
To prove the importance of religion integration into the political arena, it is purposeful to explain historical roots and pre-conditions of secularization. Many schools of thought across time believe that the modern organization of the state should be more associated with scientific and rational development of society rather than with religious enrichment hampering scientific progress (Fox 539).
In other words, modernization had long been associated with rationalism and science at social, political, and institutional levels. Despite the common beliefs that religion challenges the development of modernization, the latter has become a driving force for faith to develop into an alternative ideology of the new century.
Apart from the discrepancies in views on modernization and role of religion in the process, specific emphasis should also be placed on the definition of the secularization. Government involvement in religion is commonly acknowledged as the core element of the term. Nevertheless, secularization can also be regarded as an enhancement of individual commitment to faith. Secularization, therefore, cannot cause a decline in religious influence.
Instead, “free religious ‘market’ allows people to find a religion or denomination more suited to them” (Fox 541). At the same time, religions supported by the state are less interested in attracted masses, which leads to a decline in religiosity. As a result, the government introduces a lower level of involvement in religion. Therefore, the modernization process can be fostered significantly once the religion is acted out at a governmental level.
With regard to the above-presented assumptions and arguments, there is a growing tendency of government’s involvement in religious issues because of the recognition of its potential influence on political and social development of the community. More significant interference with religious matters causes less interest in religious activities, which contributes to the modernization process.
It also explains the existence of government involvement in democratic states, as well as the relative level of separation of religion and state. In this respect, Fox concludes, “a large majority of democracies do not have even marginal SRAS” (561). Thus, the increase in separation of state and religion within the identified decade (1990-2002) does not contribute to the modernization process.
In conclusion, it has been proved that focus on separation and secularization deviates significantly from the modern vision on social development. Instead, government’s moderate involvement into religious is more typical of the modernization process because some restriction on religion can ensure political and social control of church activities.
In addition, the analysis of religious practices reveals that democracies do not involve full separation because it does not provide freedom and rights to society. The point is that religion is a powerful tool of control and dominance and, therefore, its influence will prevent democratic development in the country.
Works Cited
Fox, Jonathan. World Separation of Religion and State into the 21st Century. Comparative Political Studies, 39.5 (2006): 537-569. Print.