Scribd
Upload
69 views

Introduction To Management Approaches and Techniques

The document discusses the separation of church and state and provides personal insights on some ethical and legal principles surrounding this issue. It begins by defining key terms like church, state, separation, law, morals, politics, and practices. It then explains that while the church and state have separate focuses - the church on salvation and the state on governing citizens - their loci and constituents are the same, as citizens are also members of churches. Problems thus arise regarding separation when the church and state disagree on issues that affect both realms, such as reproductive health, divorce, and death penalty policies.

Uploaded by

jofel delicana
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
69 views

Introduction To Management Approaches and Techniques

The document discusses the separation of church and state and provides personal insights on some ethical and legal principles surrounding this issue. It begins by defining key terms like church, state, separation, law, morals, politics, and practices. It then explains that while the church and state have separate focuses - the church on salvation and the state on governing citizens - their loci and constituents are the same, as citizens are also members of churches. Problems thus arise regarding separation when the church and state disagree on issues that affect both realms, such as reproductive health, divorce, and death penalty policies.

Uploaded by

jofel delicana
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

ON THE SEPARATION OF THE CHURCH AND STATE: A PERSONAL INSIGHT ON

SOME ETHICAL AND LEGAL PRINCIPLES

A paper presented to Prof. Bai Sahara S. Salazar, Faculty Member Graduate School,

Mindanao State University – Maguindanao, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao

In partial fulfillment of the requirements on

Master’s Degree in Public Administration

LEOBELO JOFEL ASPIRAS DELICANA


DECEMBER 2015
Introduction

The development of human civilization resulted to many complex matters which are

consistently changing through time. Economics, science, society, law, politics, religion and

morals are some of the complexities present in this development.

Of these complexities, the discussion on the Separation of the Church and State has taken

the spotlight. Through the course of history, various civilizations have lived alongside these

pressing issues regarding the powers exercised by political leaders of society as well as religious

leaders of various churches. Subsumed in this issue of the Separation of the Church and State,

are theories, views and opinions on law, ethics and morals. Needless to say, there is a need to

look into principles of some components of the Separation of the Church and State.

Relevance

Different societies have developed different kinds of bureaucracy. In the same manner,

various churches/ religions have been founded. Most of the people who are members of the state

are also followers of their respective religions. Because of this, there are many misconceptions

and contradictions that have resulted to some problems on the personal lives of the citizens of the

state who are at the same time, members of various churches. To clarify some uncertain beliefs

and principles, it is only fitting to review and examine some theories and facts involved in this

issue.

Methodology
The qualitative method shall be used in this paper. The researcher shall utilize books,

journals and commentaries as sources of related literature. Further, reliable electronic sources

shall also be used for this paper. Moreover, this paper shall be a reflective essay with personal

opinions and insights of the author.

Definition of Terms

1. Church
- It deals with the eternal order, people’s eternal salvation, which is to be found
ultimately in the Kingdom of God.
2. State
- It deals with the temporal order, which is concerned with here and now, the material
well-being of citizens.
3. Separation
- The act or process of moving apart or forcing something apart.
- A situation in which two or more people or things are separated.
- The constitutional principle that limits the power of an institution.
4. Law
- The system of rules that a particular country or community recognizes as regulating
the actions its members and may enforce by the imposition of penalties.
5. Legal
- Permitted by law; based on or concerned with the law.
6. Morals
- Noun: Set of lessons, especially one concerning what is right and prudent, that can be
derived from a story, a piece of information, or an experience
- Adjective: concerning or relating to what is right and wrong in human behaviour;
based on what you think is right and good; considered right and good by most people:
agreeing with a standard of right behavior.
7. Politics
- The art or science of government or governing, especially the governing of a political
entity, such as a nation, and the administration and control of its internal and external
affairs.
- It is the practice and theory of influencing other people.
- The activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the
debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power.
8. Practices
- The established method of conducting proceedings in a court of law
- The act of repeating a behavior
- Used to describe what really happens as opposed to what you think will happen in a
particular situation.
- Something that is usually or regularly done, often as a habit, tradition or custom
9. Belief
- The feeling or being certain that something exists or is true.

The dilemma regarding the discussion of the “Separation of the Church and State has

become one of the most controversial issues of the contemporary times. This ultimately has

something to do with the locus, focus and the constituents/member of the two entities mentioned

namely: the State and the Church.

When we talk about locus, it is defined as the central or main place where something

happens or is found (Merriam-Webster). In the real set-up, the lay man’s term for this is

“territory” or others would use the word “domain.” Let me then discuss the locus of these two

entities. The locus the Church is the area where its members live. On the other hand, the locus of

the state is its territory. In a state also exist the church (religion) or churches. Basically, they

coexist in the same area. Thus, they have the same locus.

Consequently, focus is defined as the main purpose or interest of a subject. Here, there is

great line that separates the church and the state. The church is focused on bringing forth

salvation to mankind. It conveys the message or the word of God/ Allah to the people. Inherent

in this call for salvation are teachings on morals, on being doing good and avoiding evil. Faith is

always the cause that binds fellow believers together. Meanwhile, as the church operates in the

lives of believers in virtue of faith, the state also operates. The state is an entity which is political

in nature. it upholds the needs and welfare of the citizens by administering and managing the

public affairs of the citizens. In order to maintain order as well as peace in a state, certain laws

were also developed by lawmakers. Thus, law has become the basis of ruling the state.
Now let us talk about the people of churches and. The people in churches are called

believers, members or followers while people of the state are called citizens or constituents. I

personally believe that it is in this aspect where the problems of the separation of the church and

state lies. Why? The people who are members of their respective churches are the same people

who are under the state. Almost all citizens follow a certain religion, though others may not be so

active in their religious affairs.

So why is there a problem on the idea of the “Separation of the church and state” if they

operate with distinct goals; one bringing the people towards salvation and the other

administering them for an orderly living along with others? It has something to do On issues

where the state and the church disagree

On issues such as Reproductive Health Bill, Divorce, Death Penalty, Voting,

The western viewpoint and Islamic viewpoint

You might also like