Democracy and the Church-State Relationship
Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Publication Date
Spring 1991
Publisher
Philosophy Documentation Center
Source Publication
Philosophy & Theology
Source ISSN
0890-2461
Abstract
There are good historical reasons for emphasis on separation of church and state in a democracy, but the separation can be carried too far. Concerning the relationship of church and state, various Christian denominations divide up into separatists and unificationists, and each tendency can lead into extremes which could under certain conditions be inimical to democracy. Going beyond questions of constitutional separation, one may argue for a mutual utility and complementarity of church and democratic polity. Whether a strictly necessary relationship is entailed is a more complex problem.
Recommended Citation
Kainz, Howard P., "Democracy and the Church-State Relationship" (1991). Philosophy Faculty Research and Publications. 692.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/phil_fac/692
Comments
Philosophy & Theology, Vol. 5, No. 3 (Spring 1991): 251-258. DOI.