Can you define a "state religion"? Can you suggest examples of countries with state religions?

Question

The problem is to define a "secular" state. Is Britain, with the Church of England as the "established" church, a secular state or a religious state?

Answer 1

It is possible to be a secular state and have a state religion. Britain and Norway both have established, official churches but neither country is run by the church. However there is also a distinction between a state which is not run by the church (like Britain) and one which has an official policy of completely excluding the church from public affairs, like France, which is an aggressively secular state. Iran is a theocracy, meaning the final power rests with the church.

Answer 2

A secular state is a lay state, just like France, the established religion is the main religion of the state and a religious state is the Vatican, Mount Athos and you Yorgos as a Greek should know !

Answer 3

I think a religious state, is any state government that is run by religious leaders rather than political leaders. Iran is a perfect example of a religious state. Mullahs control the leadership and dictate new laws.

In Britain the country is run by politicians, the queen doesn't run daily affairs of state and the Church of England has little influence on public policy.

Answer 4

The distinction is whether or not the government itself is run by the clergy. In Britain it is my understanding that you have an elected parliament. Although the Church of England certainly wields significant political power they do not directly control the government. Therefore Britain is a secular state.

Answer 5

Iran is the first example that comes to mind...actually, "The Islamic Republic of Iran". Israel was meant to be a Jewish state, so maybe Judaism would be considered their state religion...not as sure on that one. There are definitely varying degrees of influence of religion on states. The Christian influence can still be seen in US laws even though technically it has no state religion. Before its fall, I believe Atheism was the state religion of the USSR. And I think China's state religion might be Atheism too, but I'm not sure on that. Anyway, the people aren't necessarily Atheists...just that the government wants them to say they are.

Answer 6

It can be a secular state that has endorsed one religion to care for the spiritual needs of the country. However, it also has a non-discrimination policy toward other religions. In Saudi Arabia, Islam is the state religion, but there are no other religions allowed without state permission. The US is the most pluralistically diverse and tolerant country on the planet.

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Answer 7

Iran.is a theocracy

Britain is a secular state. The Queen is guardian of the Church of England and there are bishoprics with permanent seats in the house of Lords, but these are are remnants (like the House of Lords) of a bygone era.

Answer 8

A state religion is a religious body or creed officially endorsed by the state.

A.K.A.
an official religion
established church
or state church)

i.e. China

Answer 9

State religion is a faith that is mandated by the country to be the ONLY religion allowed to be practiced. It is the law that ALL MUST practice it or be subject to punishment. Those who might espouse a different point of view can be legally punished or put to death. Usually strict adherence to the religion is required.

Answer 10

I can give you many examples of state religions. Pick a middle eastern country.