Church and State Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Church and State - Essay Example One of the most imperative objectives behind exploring the topic above-mentioned includes seeking the answer to the question whether or not there appears any need for the formulating of the new phase of relations between the church and state in the best interests of the masses at large. Hence, the present paper will provide an insightful outlook of the topic under-examination by seeking support from the works created by the scholars. The fast and continuous alterations being witnessed in the contemporary era all over the world have forced the thinkers and political and social scientists to re-determine and review the role of church or institution of religion in order to avoid and escape the extremism that appears to be challenging the peace and harmony of the social establishments on the one side, and adding their share in widening the gulf of hatred and conflict among the cultures following the divergent religious belief systems within their respective political jurisdictions on the other during the contemporary era. Consequently, the world looks reflecting the scenario of chaos and disorder even after the advent of marvelous scientific and technological advancements making the life peaceful, comfortable and luxurious one in general. There was a time when the entire Europe used to be submitting to the decrees issued by the church. The establishment of the Holy Roman Empire was also the outcome of the dominance i nfluence of church on state and all its institutions. While elaborating the position of church and state in his remarkable â€Å"The Prince†, distinguished Italian philosopher Machiavelli strongly demands the separation of church from the political affairs of government and state (2010, p.45). It is partly due to the very reality that the ecclesiastical principalities or religious rules are unable to cope with the historical patterns altogether. Since the church lays stress upon specific mode of worship as well as leading the life in a standardized manner, the same could not be observed practically in any region of the entire globe. One of the most dominant reasons behind the same is this that the people belonging to divergent faiths, factions and sects co-exist in one and the same socio-political establishment; and if the (Catholic) church representing just one faction of one single faith looks for the masses’ strict observing of the Catholic code of laws, there will be bright probabilities of conflict and clashes in society, leading to anarchical state of affairs in the country subsequently. Rousseau refutes the implementation of religious and social laws by stating that man was born free, but everywhere he is in chains (2008, p.15). Hence, he does not appear to be surrendering before the heavy burdens of laws, which challenge the human liberty in one way or the other. Taking the precedent of the contemporary era rigid orthodox states of Afghanistan and Pakistan, it becomes evident that the nefarious extremist deoband sect of Muslims has made the life of the non-Muslim and peaceful Shiite Muslims miserable and pathetic one by inflicting pains and sufferings upon them with the aim of forcing them to adopt their religious policies and ways at any cost. Such a condemnable religious prejudice has destroyed the efficiency of the political institution on the one side, and has caused the ruination of social fabrics on the other. It is therefore, Machi avelli’s arguments (2010, pp. 47-8) with regards to separation of church and state still carry weight even nearly five centuries after its first publication in 1532. In addition to this, the undue and unnecessary