The phrase “the wall of separation between Church and State” is attributed to Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the American Declaration of Independence (from England). But the wall of separation that Jefferson was referring to was not about the separation between Church and State, but, “as a matter of federalism, was erected between the national and state governments on matters pertaining to religion and not, more generally, between the church and all civil governments. In other words, Jefferson placed the federal government on one side of his wall and state governments and churches on the other. The wall’s primary function was to delineate the constitutional jurisdictions of the national and state governments, respectively, on religious concerns.” Historically on record, the wall of separation between State and Church was a metaphor employed by Thomas Jefferson to assure the Baptists in the state of Maryland of the freedom of religion. (cf Daniel Dreisbach)
the wall of separation is a metaphor, not a reality
Looking back at what can be found in recorded history, we would notice that the so-called principle of separation between Church (organized religion) and the State (government) never functioned. It was never actually practiced. There were conflicts galore, quarrels and disagreements, connivances and betrayals, cooperation and alliances. But the separation between Church and State did not work.
What happened and will continue to happen: the Church accusing government of violating the right to the freedom of religion, and the gov’t accusing the Church of interference in politics. This, notwithstanding the truth that the Church is not only a religious institution but also a political reality essentially involved in activities associated with decision-making in groups, or other forms of relations between individuals, such as the distribution of resources or status (see footnote #1 above, on the original meaning of politics).
Jefferson’s wall of separation between State and Church was a metaphor and remains a metaphor. There has always been interferences from both sides, both ways. Not surprisingly, because the Government serves the whole person, not only his/her body, or physical self. The Church, likewise, is at the service of the whole human being, not only his/her soul, or spiritual self.
Though distinct from each other as institutions because of the different functions they render, Church and Government are bound to clash or join forces but, in fact, cannot be separated because they serve the same subjects, humans who are indivisible. The citizen is the believer, the believer the citizen.
there is a place for the Church in politics
In celebration, or in mourning, the Church – God’s sacrament of hope – wants and will try to be wherever the people of God are. In the manner of Jesus, the Incarnate Word, and by the grace of God, the Church will persist to seek preferentially the lost, the least and the last of God’s people. For where the people are to be found, that is where the Church should also be.
Philippine society is a highly politicized society and there is no denying – the pandemic notwithstanding – that the people are enmeshed in the world of politics.
- w. t. dulay, mdj
[1] Politics (affairs of the cities – from the Greek polis, city, society, state; politès, citizen) originally referred to a set of activities that were associated with organizing society, making decisions in groups, or other forms of power relations between individuals, such as the distribution of resources or status.
[2] Realpolitik, a political system based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations. Both morality and ideology are set aside, what matters is what works.
[3] Kamila Valenta, “The Church in the West is in Decline & Nationalism Won’t Save it.” (America Magazine July 15, 2021)
[4] Both the parenthetical phrase and the underscoring are my insertions.
[5] Daniel Dreisbach in “The Mythical ‘Wall of Separation’: How a Misused Metaphor Changed Church–State Law, Policy, and Discourse.” The essay was published June 23, 2006 by the Heritage Foundation. It was based on a book by the author entitled: Thomas Jefferson and the Wall of Separation between Church and State Copyright 2002 Published by NYU Press. Dreisbach is a Professor of Justice, Law, and Society at the American University in Washington, D.C. He has Doctorate in Philosophy (Oxford University) and a Doctorate in Jurisprudence (University of Virginia),
