ESTABLISHED RELIGION Meaning and
Definition
-
Established religion refers to a religious belief system that is officially recognized and supported by the government of a particular country or region. It signifies a formal and legally recognized status given to a particular religious denomination, granting it various privileges and benefits that are not extended to other religious groups.
An established religion typically enjoys statutory protection and may have specific rights and responsibilities granted by law, often entailing financial support, tax exemptions, and access to state resources. The state may provide funding for religious education, allow religious leaders to perform official functions, or even require public officials to adhere to specific religious practices. This status can effectively establish a close relationship between the religious institution and the governing authority, potentially influencing policies and decisions related to religious matters.
The concept of an established religion can be found in various forms across different countries. Some examples include the Church of England in the United Kingdom, which holds a central role in the country's constitutional framework, or Islam in countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran, where it is the dominant religion and the basis of their legal systems.
The recognition of an established religion can have both benefits and drawbacks. While it can provide stability, unity, and a sense of identity for the religious majority, it can also limit religious freedom and create potential inequalities between different religious groups. The establishment of a religion can heighten tensions among diverse communities and lead to discrimination against minority faiths or those who do not adhere to any religious belief.
Etymology of ESTABLISHED RELIGION
The word "established religion" is a phrase composed of two words: "established" and "religion".
- "Established" comes from the Old French word "establiss-", derived from the Latin "stabilire", meaning "to make firm or stable". Its root is "stabilis", which indicates something steady, fixed, or secure. The concept of "established" in this context relates to creating or formally setting up something in a stable or recognized manner.
- "Religion" is derived from the Latin word "religio", which has a complex and debated etymology. It can be traced back to several possible roots, including "re-" meaning "again" and "ligare" meaning "to bind" or "to connect". This suggests that religion is a means of reconnecting or binding humans with the divine or the sacred.
