From the Pope to the Civil State: What About the Separation of Religion from the State?!
The article discusses the concept of civil state and its historical development, emphasizing its significance in contemporary political discourse.
The article examines the concept of a civil state, which is currently a crucial topic in political discussions and often misinterpreted. It highlights a study conducted by researcher Rashid Ashour from Ibn Zohr University in Morocco, which investigates the evolution of the civil state in modern Western political thought. The study asserts that the civil state is not merely a legal framework but a result of extensive historical transformations that Europe has experienced since the beginning of the modern age, including the decline of feudalism and the rise of bourgeois society.
The importance of this research lies in its exploration of the nuances of the civil state concept, especially during times of political change. It also suggests that the civil state's characteristics and the discourse surrounding it frequently detach from the historical and social roots that shaped it in Western thought. This detachment can lead to various interpretations and misapplications of the civil state idea, complicating its role in contemporary governance and societal structures.
The study's central hypothesis argues that understanding the civil state requires appreciating its historical trajectory and recognizing it as part of a broader socio-economic and political context. As modern political systems evolve, revisiting the fundamental principles behind the civil state can provide insights for countries currently grappling with the balance between religion and state functions, reflecting on its enduring relevance in today's political landscape.