Why does lack of separation between religion and government risk coercion?

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Theocracy's Coercive Nature Stems from the Blurring of Religious and Governmental Authority

The absence of a clear separation between religion and government inherently risks coercion because it equates dissent against the state with defiance against a higher religious authority. In a theocratic system, faith plays the dominant role, and the lines between religious doctrine and state law become indistinguishable. This fusion allows those in power to leverage religious tenets to silence opposition, framing political disagreements as spiritual transgressions and thereby justifying oppression. Such a system actively stifles religious pluralism, promoting a sense of superiority for one faith, or even one sect, over all others, which can lead to intolerance and hostility towards both religious minorities and dissenting individuals within the dominant faith.
Religion Becomes a Tool for State Control

When religion is institutionalised and politicised within a governmental framework, it can transform from a source of spiritual guidance into an instrument of control. This occurs because the state, by its nature, requires obedience, and when fused with religion, that obedience is demanded in the name of divine will. Historically, this has manifested in various ways; for instance, during the Umayyad caliphate, the ideology of the Jabriyyah was employed to justify the ruling tyranny, leading to the persecution and execution of those who opposed their rule, such as the Qadaris. This pattern illustrates how religious justifications are used to legitimize governmental actions and suppress dissent, making it difficult for individuals to challenge state policies without being perceived as attacking the sacred.
Stigmatising Rationality Facilitates Control

The danger of a theocratic government is amplified in societies where rational thinking is discouraged or stigmatised. In such environments, citizens are conditioned to accept religious pronouncements and elite interpretations without critical examination. This lack of critical inquiry makes the populace more susceptible to manipulation, as the ruling party can propagate a specific, often narrow, version of religious doctrine and present it as the ultimate truth. The article highlights this by noting that people are taught not to question religion itself, but rather the specific interpretation propagated by those in power, which can easily lead to blind acceptance of governmental dictates presented as divine commands.
Exclusion of Pluralism Breeds Intolerance

A fundamental characteristic of theocracy is its inherent exclusion of religious pluralism, which is particularly detrimental in diverse societies like Malaysia. Instead of fostering humility, theocratic systems often promote a sense of religious superiority, asserting that one faith is inherently better than others. This belief, when codified into law, automatically cultivates an environment rife with xenophobia, intolerance, and hostility. The implications extend even within a dominant religion, as seen in Malaysia where the precedence given to mazhab Shafie of Sunni Islam can lead to discrimination against fellow Muslims who adhere to different interpretations, thereby contradicting the inclusive spirit often espoused by Islam itself.

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Why does lack of separation between religion and government risk coercion?

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