In today's age of science and modernity we often ask ourselves, "Do we still need religion?" If so, what do we need it for? Science and development of modern rationalism has shown a clear path towards answering transcendental questions that once were the pure domain of religion. Can we argue that religion is simply the domain of ignorance and fools who believe in fairy tales purely based on what they refer to as "Faith"? A lot of modern rationalists arguing the obsolescence of religion and the concept of God identify themselves with Nietzsche's declaration that God is dead. But If it is not, what role does it have in the social and political life? If religion influences politics, where are the limits of such action? There are many questions and even more answers. Religion itself is a very fluid and undefined concept, therefore it creates a lot of space for interpretation. The essay will argue that religion is not only visible in political structures but it also actively shapes both social and political spheres. On the basis of theoretical concepts, recent affairs and case studies the essay will prove huge importance of religion in current political discourse. In such controversial matter, it is crucial to understand the background of the relationship between the church and the state before we realize its importance and influence. Religion in modern world is often linked to secularism. It plays a very important role because it not only determines the state of the society is in but also creates social norms according to which people interact with each other. Moojan Momen rightly argues that there is an interdependent relationship between religion and authority in most societies simply because religion has, over the course of history, been one of the most dominant and persistent forces in society. Just as the religious world looks to the secular authorities for support, they in turn look to religious leadership to legitimate their authority. For secular leaders, he argues, the support of the religious hierarchy “gives their rule the appearance of being part of the supramundane order of things” . Even though most modern states and societies have long tradition of separating church from state, they have a tendency to combine religion and politics. Throughout the history, great political and social movements – from abolition to civil rights to struggles over abortion and same-sex marriage – have drawn upon religious institutions for moral support and motivating leadership .
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