JUNE 2024

Is religion in politics a new phenomenon?

How has religion changed the constitution of nations?

The interaction and interplay of religion and politics remain compelling, though it is often contentious.

In today's time or history, the dynamic relationship between religion and politics has evolved into a complex and multifaceted landscape, shaping the course of numerous nations' histories.

•    धर्म और राजनीति का मिलन: राजनीति में धर्म की भूमिका 

It has influenced policy decisions, and it has also played a significant role in the collective consciousness of a country. Religion and politics have implications for the country's governance, social cohesion, and individual rights.

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Our research on a few countries found that some countries have changed their constitution for religious purposes.

For example, the Islamic Republic of Iran underwent a significant constitutional change in 1979 following the Iranian Revolution, and the country transitioned from a monarchy to an Islamic Republic. 

The Shia Islam was fundamental to its constitution.

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... Greece's constitution recognizes the Eastern Orthodox Church of Christ...

Then we have neighbouring Afghanistan, which has its cycle of changing its constitution concerning religion.

So, when the Taliban government fell in 2001, a new constitution was adopted in 2004 and then again in 2022. Similarly, we find that there have been changes in Pakistan's constitution.

Pakistan has made many amendments to its constitution over the years, and Islam is now a fundamental part of its legal system.

•   धर्म और राजनीति का मिलन: राजनीति में धर्म की भूमिका

Likewise, there are countries in Europe, too, which have religion in its constitution. 

For example, Greece's constitution recognizes the Eastern Orthodox Church of Christ as the country's prevailing religion. Similarly, Denmark establishes the Evangelical Lutheran Church as the state church.

The same is true with Norway and Iceland. Also, in the United Kingdom, though it does not have a written constitution, the Church of England is the established church, and the monarchy is the supreme governor. 

So, religion, whether it is Christianity or Islam, has been part and fundamental to the existence of these important countries.

 What is the over-arching argument?

The argument we are making here is that religion and politics go hand in hand, and they are inseparable.

The very fact that the officials in countries take oaths on the Bible, the Quran, the Gita, or any other book of religious faith has shown that people cannot be separated. Politics, governance and religion all have to go together.

It has been the way since civilization came into existence.

A typical example is the United States, where it is a long-standing tradition for officials, including the president or members of Congress and government officials, to take the oath of office on the Bible, though the US Constitution does not specify any religion in their text.

So do Canada, Germany, and Switzerland.

They all refer to either God or the Bible. 

Similarly, in countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and indeed other countries also, they take their oaths on the Quran.

Indonesia is the largest Muslim-majority country in the world, though it follows a secular system; officials take oaths on the Quran.

Another significant example of religion and politics we see in Europe, where for thousand years, starting from the 8th century until the unification of Italy in 1870, the Pope served as the de facto ruler of the Papal States and the Papal States were a collection of territories in the Italian peninsula, and it was under the direct rule of the Pope.

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The argument we are making here is that religion and politics go hand in hand, and they are inseparable

The Pope was the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church and the political leader, influencing the governments and the kingdoms around Europe.

The consequence of the influence of the Catholic Church also led to the formation of the Church of England. As evident, history is also a witness to contests within groups of Christianity.

Is the Indian constitution influenced by religion, too?

Interestingly, the term secular was not originally a part of the Indian constitution when adopted in 1950. The word secular was added to the preamble of the Indian constitution much later by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976.

As we know from the archives, even at the time of the drafting of the Indian constitution, there were discussions and extensive debates on this contentious issue of the word secular in the Indian constitution. 

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Religion and politics are like roots and branches of the same tree, growing together and shaping the landscape of society

Therefore, it can be unmistakably concluded that Religion and politics are deeply intertwined, and often they are inseparable.

•   धर्म और राजनीति का मिलन: राजनीति में धर्म की भूमिका

"Religion and politics are like roots and branches of the same tree, growing together and shaping the landscape of society."

This togetherness has been displayed historically and in contemporary times, and will do so in future too.

It would be a mistake to ignore or overlook the influence of religion in politics or even to decry its role in politics despite the harmful effect religion has on politics in the country.