Separation between church and state is an unnecessary shock reaction from a majority

Hendrik Vuye and Veerle Wouters published yesterday a plea to push the separation between church and state even further into a separation between society and religion. In essence, however, they advocate excluding a minority section of society and labeling them as idiots who have no right to speak. According to them, the reason that legitimizes this exclusion: the failure to recognize the values ​​of the Enlightenment. However, it apparently escapes their attention that in doing so, they themselves are the greatest negationists of the values ​​of the Enlightenment.

They use the well-known demagogic recipe: a few examples that should frighten a majority enough so that a minority is considered inferior. History teaches us that this tactic unfortunately works and that only a society truly built on the values ​​of the Enlightenment is strong enough to prevent the reaction of the majority from turning into a class struggle.

Everyone seems to assume that religion and Enlightenment are sworn enemies. Yes, there are religious practices that do not go hand in hand with the values ​​that we cherish here in the West and for which many have fought and suffered. Isn't it then a pity that in the so-called struggle for these values, we have to throw these values ​​overboard?

Mormons respect the Enlightenment

Let me take an example from the faith community of which I am a part, namely The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often better known as the Mormons. Our Articles of Faith (pretty much call it the Constitution of our religion) states “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and magistrates, by obeying, respecting and upholding the law.” Can respect for democracy be summarized even better? If one is looking for a preamble for the Constitution, one might use our Article of Faith as a starting point.

The other point that even Christians like us are attacked on is the equality between men and women. Here again I quote from a proclamation from our leaders when I say that husbands and wives have a duty to help each other as equal partners.

A value that Vuye and Wouters do not mention is the right to self-determination, but that other authors often mention when attacking religions. Here too, every Mormon will be able to explain to you that we believe that the mere fact that we are here on earth is the result of a Heavenly Father who told His children that it was now time to leave the heavenly nest and gain experience on their own two feet.

Christians who embrace the gospel in their hearts are certainly not opponents of the Enlightenment. In fact, they may be the most fervent defenders of human rights, because ultimately Christ died to protect the weak. He was the one who, in a misogynistic society, did not want to stone an adulterous woman, but understood that she could make wrong choices just like men. He was also the one who stated that what belonged to the emperor belonged to the emperor and therefore respect for the law, if it did not come from an unjust source, must be respected.

Unnecessary startle response

Flanders is a tolerant country, but… I read in the contribution by Vuye and Wouters. It fits in with the #typischvlaamsezinnetjes hashtag that collects sentences on Twitter including “I am not a racist but” or “with all due respect but”… Where the but clause is usually the confirmation of the denial with which one begins.

Vuye and Wouters argue for the promotion of integration in education, but in reality they want to place boundaries based on values ​​that can contribute to someone's core identity. Feel free to abolish the religion subject, but replace it with the “religions” subject. Introduce young people to religions in all forms and make them aware of the dangers that lie within.

Our society is not as atheistic as politicians would like us to believe, but rather agnostic. Unknown, therefore unloved and ideal as a shame for politicians who impose an image of society on us that creates an enemy image. Fear of others always works well to gain power yourself.

As a Christian, I therefore call for a Christian approach: love your opponent and pray for him. Get to know him and there will be peace. That is much closer to the values ​​of the Enlightenment.