Melvin John D.

Quiniones                                                                             November 15, 2021

BSAG 1101                                                                                                   Score:________

Instruction: Read the primer of Religion-State Relations. Then , on pages 35-36 of this
references, answer questions no. 1,3, and 4. ( Note. Each of these numbers consists of 2
questions. Thus , for the scoring system: 5pts for every substantially answered questions with a
total of 30 pts.)

1.) What is the nature of the state? It is a “ state of believers” or it is a “ state of citizen” a
majority of whom may happen to belong to a particular Religion?

3.) Will adding religious establishment or religious-recognition clauses impede religious

freedom for religious minorities? Can a clause guaranteeing the quality of minority?
groups be drafted to resolve this?

4.) What effect will religious-establishment or recognition clauses have on the right of
women in matters of marriage, divorce, inheritance, bodily integrity, dress code and on
the access to education, work, and social and political life? How can the state ensure
that it meets its obligation under the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination against women ( CEDEW) ?

Answers:

1.) In political theory, the concept of the nature of a state is an attempt to comprehend
what life would be like for people without a government or society, as well as why we
allow ourselves to be ruled. They can be both a state of believers and a state of
citizens at the same time, depending on their constitutional status in the legislation.
This implies that their legal status determines whether they are a state of believers
and a state of citizens simultaneously. However, religious affiliations impact the bulk
of the population's political views. A state-sanctioned "national religion" has the
ability to transform a country into a haven for believers, which is good for the state's
chosen religion. As a result, when a state chooses a "national religion," it may
eventually transform into a state of believers, benefiting the selected religion. In
addition to this, according to Dawood Ahmed, "Primer of Religion-State Relations,"
"a specific religion may be identified with national identity or with the core values of
the community. On the other hand, the Islamic Republic defines itself as a state of
citizens, with a constitution that considers its entire people, regardless of religious
affiliation. People who reject the constitutionalization of religion, as well as those who
think the separation of church and state should be maintained, are still alive and well
today.

3.) By combining religious-establishment and religious-recognition, religious minorities

may be limited because the religious majority will reap the majority of the benefits.
Despite having equal rights to freedom of religion, the religious establishment will be
prejudiced in favor of the selected religion since the state can lend support, funding,
and influence to their trust. To sustain the constitution and religious communities, a
clause that guarantees the equality of minority groups and other religions, such as
repugnancy clauses, could be added in the constitution. Discrimination against a
 small number of religious communities and their leaders is protected by religious-
establishment laws. Religion's state neutrality demonstrates that the state and
religion are not discriminated against. They form a distinct identity that does not favor
or condemn any particular religion or denomination. As in the previous example,
Argentina's constitution does not prohibit a candidate from running for office purely
on the basis of their religious beliefs or affiliations. It's possible that they'll be given
equal religious freedom, but the religious establishment will favor the chosen religion
because the government will fund, support, and promote it. Repugnancy provisions
defend the constitution and religious groups, ensuring equality for minorities and
other religions.

4.) Religious organizations may discriminate against women. Because religious

institutions are often constructed on traditional religious laws that nearly exclusively
benefit men. CEDAW is a United Nations treaty that aims to protect women's rights
while also protecting religious identity and values. The CEDAW approved a
paragraph stating that religious activities shall not clash with other constitutional
rights. Religion has acted as a guide for persons seeking guidance in all areas of life
throughout history. Because the country's predominant religion is Roman
Catholicism, many Filipinos believe divorce is immoral and follow a strict uniform
rule. In addition, a set of ideals including human liberties and rights is offered.
Traditional values and ideas are deeply established in us and difficult to change.

"No state can be regarded as free today unless it ensures religious freedom and
practice, including religious minorities' and dissenters' freedom," writes Ahmed
(2017). A constitutional foundation for the state and religion was established through
religious freedom. Individuals, particularly religious minorities, are better protected as
a result of these principles.