I believe in the separation of church and state, but I do not

"I believe in the separation of church and state, but I do not believe in the separation of politics from religion." These words spoken by Rick Warren reflect a deep and nuanced understanding of the relationship between religion and politics. At first glance, the quote may appear to be contradictory, for we are often taught that the church and state should be distinct, that one should not interfere with the other. Yet, Warren calls us to look beyond this conventional wisdom and recognize that religion and politics are intertwined in ways that shape the very fabric of society.

To understand this, we must first explore the ancient wisdom surrounding the role of religion in governance. The great empires of old, from Rome to Persia, understood the power of religion to unite and guide the masses. In Rome, the Emperor was not merely a political leader but also a divine figure, whose decisions were believed to be influenced by the will of the gods. The separation between church and state was, at that time, almost non-existent—religion was woven into the very fabric of public policy. Even in the days of Greek philosophy, the concept of the polis was closely connected to the moral and spiritual well-being of its citizens. Socrates and Plato spoke of the ideal state as one that embraced moral virtue, a virtue often defined by religious and spiritual principles.

The lesson of history teaches us that religion and politics have always been bound together, not in opposition, but in harmony. It is in the application of moral and ethical principles derived from faith that political decisions can become just and true. In the Old Testament, the laws of the Israelites were both religious and civil; the Ten Commandments were not only spiritual guidelines but also laws by which the people were governed. In the Middle Ages, the Church had an undeniable influence on the governance of Europe, as popes and kings alike saw their reigns as divinely ordained.

But over time, the pendulum swung toward a belief in the separation of church and state, largely due to the turbulence of religious conflicts. The Reformation in Europe, and the subsequent wars of religion, showed the world the dangers of merging politics with religion unchecked. The horrors of the Thirty Years’ War and the rise of the Protestant Reformation made it clear that a strict separation of the two would bring peace to a divided world. This became a cornerstone of modern democracy, exemplified in the foundation of the United States, where Thomas Jefferson wrote about the need for a "wall of separation" between church and state.

Yet, Rick Warren’s words remind us that religion cannot be entirely removed from politics, for it is the very source of our moral compass and the guide for how we treat one another. The teachings of Jesus Christ, for example, emphasize compassion, justice, and service to others—principles that are deeply relevant to political decisions. Similarly, the moral teachings of Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and other great religions inform the ethical choices that leaders make for the greater good of society. A politician who separates their faith from their work may find themselves making decisions that are devoid of the compassion and ethics that religions teach.

Consider the example of Gandhi, whose deep faith in Hinduism was not only a personal spiritual matter but also a force for political change. Gandhi’s belief in ahimsa (non-violence) and satya (truth) guided his political actions in leading India to independence. His fight was not just against colonial rule, but for a society rooted in justice, equality, and compassion, all of which were shaped by his spiritual beliefs. Gandhi’s example shows us that religion, when integrated with politics, can inspire leaders to act with a higher purpose and greater good in mind.

The lesson here is that politics and religion need not be enemies, but allies in creating a just society. When faith is separated from politics, we risk creating a world where decisions are made solely for self-interest, power, or economic gain, rather than for the common good. In this sense, religion provides the moral and spiritual foundation that politics alone cannot. Therefore, we must ask ourselves: Can we separate our deepest values from our actions in the public sphere? Can we ignore the wisdom of the ages, passed down through religious teachings, as we navigate the complex issues of our time?

Thus, the message of Rick Warren is one of balance and integration. It is not enough to separate church and state; rather, we must bring our faith into the political arena, ensuring that our decisions are informed by the values of compassion, justice, and service that are the heart of religion. Let us move forward with the understanding that religion can guide us in making decisions that reflect our higher purpose, and that the political realm, when guided by faith, can serve as a force for good in the world. Faith should not be confined to the private realm, but should inform our public lives, inspiring us to create a world of peace, justice, and human dignity.