The state shall not impose religion but guarantee religious freedom and harmony between followers of different religions. Benedict XVII explaining his principle of separation of state and religion. But the two are always interrelated.
Politics is more than a mere mechanism for defining rules of public life. Its origin and goal are found in justice , and has to do with ethics.
[Religion or] Faith is a purifying force for reason itself..., it liberates reason from its blind spots..., it enables reason to do its work more effectively and to see its proper object more clearly.
Benedict XVII admitted that the Church is subordinate to State and even less is it an attempt to impose on those who do not share the faith ways of thinking and modes of conduct proper to faith.
Its aim is simply to purify reason and to contribute here and now, to acknowledgement and attainment of what is just.
The Church wishes to help from consciences in political life and to stimulate greater insights into the authentic requirements of justice, as well as greater readiness to act accordingly, even when this might involve conflict with one's personal interest.
The Church cannot replace the State and must not engage in political battle. But it cannot stay on the sideline in the fight for justice. She has take part through rational argument and reawakening of spiritual energy without which justice which always demands sacrifice, cannot prevail and prosper. The Vatican Head further explained. (Source: Randy David. Public Lives, PDI. March 28,2009, A12.)
I really admire Benedict XVII for his eloquence and courage of telling things that flow against the tide or the tradition and long struggled of the Bishops and his predecessors.
He is the first Pope I know whose leadership of the Catholic is going to its old form. Going back to God.
Here is why. Let us examine Benedict XVII distinction of the State and the Church according to the Bible and provide a clearer picture.
All followers of God are taught to submit to and recognize political authorities. Jesus Christ set and demonstrated examples of humility and obedience (Romans 13:1-8; Titus 3:1; I Peter 2:13-15).
The political authorities likewise are expected to uphold justice through application of ordinance of man without partiality, command leadership by example, and look for the interests of others (I Peter 2:14, James 2:1-2; II Corinthians 10:6; Galatians 3:28; Philippians 2:3-5).
Perfection is Jesus Christ's ultimate vision for His every follower. In Him there is no partiality, envy, hatred, competition but love to one another. All these could not happen without justice or administration of justice (Collosians 3:10-14; I Peter 2:14; II Corinthians 10:6).
If the political authorities do not perform the duties where they are called, the Churches are righteous to desist from political powers (Ephesians 6:12; Galatians 5:13-14) through rational argumentation and reawakening of spiritual energy (or I may say reminders as we do good to evil, Romans 12:19, 21). Thus the intervention of Church is to individual authorities holding public offices. If the persons in power curtail the religious freedom or failed to render justice, Christians are advised to leave the place.
Politics or State is not an integral part of neither subordinate to Christian Church but bound to protect the people—Christians and non-christians alike, making the society just and harmonious as Christians are instructed to live peaceably with others.
Political authorities (Kings, Prince, Presidents, Governor, etc.) however should be wise in Christian wisdom or be guided by Christian doctrines thus making person in power just (Romans 12:16; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Collosians 3:14; Romans 12:17,21; Galatians 5:13-14; James 2:8-10; Romans 12:9).
Thus making Jesus Christ the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Do not be deceived with smooth and flattering words and speeches and arguments (Romans 16:17-19)
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