What is a wife and what is a harlot? What is a church and what is

In the profound and poetic musings of William Blake, we are invited into a contemplation of the interwoven nature of religion, politics, and the institutions that shape our lives. His words are as much a reflection on the human condition as they are a critique of the social systems that divide and control: "What is a wife and what is a harlot? What is a church and what is a theatre? Are they two and not one? Can they exist separate? Are not religion and politics the same thing? Brotherhood is religion. O demonstrations of reason dividing families in cruelty and pride!" These questions challenge us to reflect not only on the structures we create in society but also on the tensions between our deepest ideals and the divisions that often arise from the systems we uphold.

The ancient world was no stranger to such paradoxes and contradictions. The Greek philosopher Plato, in his dialogues, often questioned the nature of society, justice, and the moral fabric that binds individuals together. In The Republic, Plato imagined a society where the roles of citizens were clearly defined, yet he understood the tension between the individual and the state, between personal freedom and the demands of a collective society. In much the same way, Blake’s reflections on the role of religion and politics challenge us to reconsider how the two forces—faith and power—often become entangled, not just in the public sphere but within the personal and intimate spheres of our lives, such as in marriage or family.

In Blake’s day, the church and state were inseparable forces. The Church of England, with its deeply intertwined relationship with the government, held sway over nearly every aspect of public life, from marriage to morality to education. In his works, Blake often criticized this fusion of religion and politics, seeing it as a source of oppression and hypocrisy. For Blake, the church—as it was institutionalized—did not represent true spirituality or freedom but rather a corrupt system that sought to control individuals through doctrine and fear. His poetic question, "Are not religion and politics the same thing?", speaks to this idea of control, where religion, instead of fostering brotherhood and peace, often becomes a tool of division and oppression.

Consider, for instance, the Crusades, where religion and politics were inseparably linked in the pursuit of territorial and religious power. The Crusaders, who believed they were on a holy mission to reclaim the Holy Land, massacred thousands, driven by the rhetoric of religious superiority and political ambition. The very ideal of brotherhood—which is supposed to be the foundation of religion—was lost in the cruelty of war and conquest. The same forces that Blake questioned—the institutionalization of religion and its entanglement with political motives—led to such tragedies. The Crusades serve as a stark historical example of how religion, when used as a tool of power, can tear apart the bonds of humanity that it should have been nurturing.

Blake’s reflection on the wife and harlot asks us to consider how society defines and assigns roles—how we often separate the sacred from the profane, and how these separations can lead to hypocrisy and shame. A wife, in traditional society, is often viewed as the ideal partner, symbolizing purity, loyalty, and virtue, while the harlot is seen as the antithesis, representing sin and moral decay. Yet, Blake’s question pushes us to see the parallels—are they truly so different? Are these roles not both reflections of the same societal expectations and judgments? In the same way, the church and the theatre—both spaces of ritual, performance, and identity—are not as separate as they might first appear. Both can be manipulative, both can serve the powerful, and both can be used to control and shape the lives of individuals. Blake’s questions force us to confront the illusion of separation between the sacred and the profane, between virtue and vice, and to challenge the systems that impose these false divisions on humanity.

The lesson Blake offers us is one of profound introspection. He calls us to see beyond the facade of religious and political institutions and to examine the human experience at its core. At the heart of true religion is brotherhood—the understanding that all people are part of the same human family, deserving of love, compassion, and understanding, not the division and judgment that organized systems often perpetuate. Blake’s vision of religion and spirituality is one where authenticity and unity are valued over external conformity. He warns us against the blind obedience to systems that dehumanize and exploit, urging us to seek a true connection to one another and to the divine, free from the restrictions and falsehoods imposed by powerful institutions.

In practical terms, Blake’s words urge us to question the systems that govern our lives—whether they are religious, political, or social—and to reflect on whether they truly serve the common good or whether they perpetuate division and hypocrisy. Religion and politics must not be seen as tools of control or oppression, but as platforms for building a just and compassionate world. In our own lives, we must strive to create an environment where brotherhood, mutual respect, and human dignity are the guiding principles. This requires us to move beyond the divisions of society and instead embrace a shared humanity that transcends the man-made systems that seek to separate us.

Thus, let us heed Blake’s call to see beyond the illusions of religion and politics, to seek a life of authentic connection to each other and to the divine. Let us build a world not governed by systems of control, but by love, compassion, and truth, where the ideals of brotherhood and justice are the true foundations upon which we stand. For in this, we find the true meaning of religion and humanity—not in rituals and institutions, but in the shared bond of human experience.