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Module 02 - Religion and the State

It is not uncommon for philosophers to consider the role of religion in the daily lives of the citizenry or the relationship between religion and government. St. Augustine and St. Aquinas are more theologians than political philosophers, but their works have influenced many political leaders nonetheless - including those who helped in determining the role of church and state in the US.

Aquinas was greatly influenced by Aristotle. He suggested that faith and reason are complementary rather than contradictory, and that political authority comes from God. Aquinas, like others before and after, also believed there were opportunities for "just war", even though that seems contrary to religious teachings.

Though Augustine was not baptized into the Church until his later years, his views on religion and government are influential as to how this relationship should exist. He also believed the Bible should not be literally interpreted if it diverges from science, though argued politics and religion cannot be separated because the state is rooted in sin.