Religion-State Relations and Their Effects on Human Rights: Nationalization, Authorization, and Privatization

Abstract

In recent years, many countries are experiencing a process of de-privatization of religion in which religions seek to strengthen their power and status in the public sphere as well as to gain more authority over their own adherents. This process leads to changes in religion-state relations that may conflict with liberal values and with the protection of human rights. This article presents a new classification of religion-state relations which distinguishes between three approaches Nationalization of Religion, Authorization of Religion, and Privatization of Religion and uses a comparative analysis of religion-state relations in both liberal and non-liberal countries in order to highlight the differences between these approaches and their varying compatibility with liberal values and the protection of human rights. The article ends with some thoughts regarding the approach best suited to respond to the changing nature of religion-state relations in liberal states.