Public Religion in the Secular State: A Kantian Perspective

This paper is designed to discuss the contribution Kant’s distinction between “civil union” (the state) and “ethical community” might make with regard to the ongoing debates on the public role and significance of religion. I will argue that Kant assigns a public significance and role for religion, finding in religious faith the basis of an ethical community. In line with this, he would oppose the austere secularist argument that religion is merely a private matter. On the other hand, however, Kant would also strictly oppose the integrationists. He maintains that we can in no way legitimately transpose ethical-religious norms to the political-juridical level. I will conclude that from a Kantian standpoint, a rightful state and a decent ethical-religious community do mutually support each other`s constitutive purpose; however, they can do this only if they are kept separate.