Religion and Power: The Mono-confessional Paradigm and the Path toward Pluralism

Religions matter. The question is: how do they matter? The numerous meanings of god, the different metaphysical truths that we learn throughout our life have once again acquired a considerable relevance in public discourse, going beyond the private sphere to which they were confined. The religious content is once again a fundamental aspect both in liberal-democratic systems and in authoritarian regimes, as well as in international terrorism. Religions matter in that inclusive religions contribute to change and democratization processes, and favor centripetal forces, while exclusive religions support conservation mottos, encourage the status quo, and promote centrifugal forces. The debate on post-secularism indicates an important stage about outlining the role that religions can play both in a restorer point of view (Böckenförde) and in a mild one (Rawls and Habermas). However, a discussion on this issue risks to be premature, or more simply inapplicable, where the Mono-confessional paradigm predominates. This research focuses on defining the Mono-confessional model as main goal. Moreover, three idealtypes of Mono-confessionalism (arbitrary, legal-irrational, legal-rational) are introduced and explained on the base of dynamics, the modus operandi, and the relationship between State and the dominant Church in specific phases as the legitimation of power, the constitutionalising of rules and principles, and the building of consensus. Eventually, a normative paradigm is proposed in order to overcome the Mono-confessional model and arrive at the Pluralist one.