Religion and law are guiding, principled bodies that have navigated our societies since the formation of societies. They both intertwine to give guidance and ethical balance to each sector of society and the way it is run. However, at times the overlap brings about a large lapse in judgment, becomes discriminatory and even ends in corruption. When the principle of ‘Church and State’ was first regarded, it was meant to separate the law from spiritual ventures because the Church was assuming too much power that did not justify their actions, their wealth, or their prejudicial behaviour. Today, though, there are instances like the Shariah Advisory Council, where religion is a fundament of the proceedings between disputing parties in alternative dispute resolution. Understanding why religion often intertwines with the law is a crucial subject to be navigated.
Religious Sentiment Predominates The Society’s Jurisdiction
When majority of the residents within an area are Muslim, Buddhist or Jewish, the law becomes easier to enforce because majority of the people follow the same sentiments. Most religions, too have the same principles on theft, murder and other such ethical matters. Responding to the citizens with the law which is embedded into their culture and into their lives makes it simpler to justify various punishments, restrictions, or other forms of crime push-back to ensure that the crime is less likely to be committed. This has been done since the beginning of official standing bodies that serve the law and God.
Religion Is Seen As A Moral Compass
Religion is considered to be a measure of morality, even though it may not always be. With religion comes the notion of serving a higher entity, living for a higher purpose, and doing good to the fellow man, as scribed by scripture. Therefore, when an individual is deemed religious, they are assumed to act on principles dictated by their religion. This, however, has shown itself not to be the case, as even in business in religious countries, corruption and theft run high. While religion is seen as a virtuous factor in how someone acts, it does not prescribe their actions. If anything in some cases it has given corrupt individuals the basis for their crimes, concluding that God is the reason for their antisocial acts.
Religion Is Difficult To Question
Religion, in some areas, does not leave room for questioning. This makes it easier to enforce certain laws without having the sufficient backing to support them. With the text used as the basis for the running of the society, and the text being acknowledged as the voice of God, the citizens are less likely to question anything that is passed down to them as the law for fear of angering God and holy men.
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