RELIGION AND GOVERNMENT
Religions ideologies and their philosophies in states are considered differently according to the nature of the state and its administration in the sense that there are some states that combine religions ideologies in state administration (Non – secular state) while there are other states that religion is separated from state administration (secular states).
SECULARISM/SECULAR STATES
Is the state or political system that separate religion from states affairs, in this the state does not consider religion to be a part as administration.
In secular state individual are free to perform their religions duties without interference of the state’s political system.
ADVANTAGES
– The system allows social tolerance.
– Existence and exercise of human rights.
– Its goods ground of employment.
– It is a unit of peace and harmony.
– Facilitates is educating people.
– Strong interstate cooperation.
NON SECULARISM STATES
Is the system in which a state religion and political are combined together being used as part in administration for people and state.
In this system the states control and interference all religion and state welfare, in non secularism policies and religion are cooked in one pot.
Such that religion ideologies are used as the base of running political system e.g. Algeria and England.
ADVANTAGES
- The system protect the doctrine of the states ideology.
- It helps in softening peoples mind to be ruled.
- It create the room of unity and cooperation.
- System promotes morals and respect of the states authority.
- It helps in provision of social services equally by the government to its people.
- Promotes national identity e.g. Arabic countries.
- It strengthens the philosophy of given religion.
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DISADVANTAGES
- There is no freedom of worship.
- There is an interference of the government in religion and personal issues (welfare).
- It distorts reasoning capability.
- It involve the dictatorship and administration.
- Led to inferiority complex to the believers.
- Easy violence to occur due to appearance of some classes.
- Poor interstate cooperation.
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THE ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF RELIGIONS IN SOCIETY
Religion has great influence on society. Its functions can be seen through social, political and economic life
SOCIAL FUNCTIONS/ ROLES
(i) Provision of education
There are many primary, Secondary School, Colleges and Universities belonging to Islamic and Christian religions.
For example: –
St. Augustine University, Tumaini University, St. John University of Tanzania and Morogoro Islamic University to mention just few
(ii) Defending the moral quality of a society. Religion is builder and defender of the moral quality of a society.
(iii) Provision of health services through building hospital, dispensaries and health centers. Example: Bugando,KCMC and Hindumandal
(iv) Maintenance of law, order(obedience) and thus minimizing crimes (Immoralities) in the society.
(v) Protection of human rights in the society. It strengthens equality through scriptures which says all people are equal before god
(vi) Enhancing economic development through encouraging people to work hard. Eg” If anyone will not work, let him not eat.” (2The3:10)
Political roles / Functions
(i) Religious leaders give advice to political leaders in different issues. Eg. Corruption
(ii)Religious leader provide critical to reflection on policies and public behaviors of leaders and of different interest groups in society.
(iii)Religion, Though leaders, defends the common good, the dignity of human beings, points out evil in society and reminds leaders to serve other and not themselves.
(iv)In religious states, religious is integrated in the state administration. Eg. The Islamic sharia is used as the state ideology in saudi
THE IMPORTANCE OF RELIGION TOLERANCE IN THE SOCIETY.
Religions tolerance; Is the peaceful existence/willingness of existence of religion in the state i.e. everyone has responsibility of respecting the belief of other people.
Religion and religious group must practice positive tolerance for other, and for other religious group. This necessitate the freedom of worship which is considered one of basic human right guaranteed in most national constitutions.
FREEDOM OF WORSHIP
It is the right of a person to follow or not to follow religion. This rights included freedom to change religion or freedom to worship in the community alone or with other, publicly a privately.
CHAPTER QUESTION REVISION
1. “Philosophy has more than two branches” Discuss.
2. Account for principles, obstacles and failures of education or self reliance as advocated by Mwl. J. K. Nyerere on education in Tanzania.
3. Discuss socialist ideas and show how they can facilitate or hinder the social and economic development in Tanzania.
4. To what extend have the ideas of Aristotle and Plato influenced the social economic development in Tanzania.
5. Why is religions tolerance important to a country like Tanzania.
6. Compare secular and non-secular state
7. Outline the main political ideas of J. K. Nyerere and then impact on the development process in Tanzania
8. What must be done to advance Nkrumah and J. K. Nyerere dream of a United Africa?
9. Explain why people worship in religion
10. What is the role of religion in politics and social development in Tanzania