Government and Religion

A society needs a balance of both government and religion in order to reach its highest potential and help prevent it from being destroyed.

The majority of humans are genetically programmed to desire structure and leadership in their life. Religion and government both fill this need. Therefore, a society must be aware that organized religions and governments each fill a similar biological need for humans and that the absence of one will oftentimes allow the other to overtake a society.

An example of the absence of religion allowing the government to overtake a society is when a communist regime takes over a country. One of the first things that communist leaders do after taking over a country is to eliminate religion. The absence of religion allows the government leaders to take the position of God(s) because many people are biologically driven to need to have some sort of God or higher power leading them in life. The communist government also creates the entire societal structure that religion previously created. This results in government policies becoming the only societal rules and this gives the government complete power over the people.

On the other hand, if there is no organized government, then religions will oftentimes rule society. This can lead to religious leaders abusing their power over society by elevating themselves to some sort of demi-God or someone who can communicate with God and using this to control society. This can result in the same type of issues that happen when the government has complete control.

It seems like the ideal is a mix of a direct democracy/ republic and a religion that promotes peace among society. What do you think is ideal? Only religion, only government, or a mix of both?