Talk:Separation of church and state

The concept "originated"
with Baptists in Early America? It clearly had ancient and Medieval origins, as briefly discussed in this article. This article also seems to present a caricature of Medieval Europe as a theocracy, an erroneous view that Medievalists have worked hard to correct. Here's some research discussing the European origins of this idea which was inspired primarily by the Bible. Jonathan f1 (talk) 01:27, 29 March 2024 (UTC)

Section about Islam
The section that deals with the separation of church and state in Islam, states that the separation of church and state happened very early in islam. This is then substantiated by a reference to how scholars were allowed and able to operate independently from the state and were critical of its leaders, and a brief mention of the Constition of Medina. I do not think, however, that these two points do in fact substantiate the claim that there is and was a separation of church and state in islam. Independence of scholars does not automatically mean that the state within which they operate(d), is secular. As for the Constitution of Medina: the current text does not make it clear in what way this document is an "early form of secular governance" nor does it elaborate upon the discussions it refers to. The mere existence of the document and the fact that it, as stated, granted equal rights to different religious groups, does not automatically imply a separation between church and state. At the same time, it's clear from the information on the relevant page here on this Wiki, that the first Caliphate, as founded by Muhammad and continued by his successors, was governed with islam as basis. In other historic states ruled by islamic rulers or governments, islam similarly is intertwined with the affairs of the state. I would therefore suggest a review of this paragraph to clarify whether or not there is a separation of church and state from the perspective of islam and its application in practice. 144.43.250.53 (talk) 21:15, 28 June 2024 (UTC)