The purpose of this essay is to review and evaluate why we are where we are with the categories of Religion and State within the Humanities.  It contends they are vague and arbitrary because of naturalistic epistemological assumptions that relativize and reify the concepts, preventing any meaningful reform of either institution.  The essay then presents the contrasting thesis that a theological conception of both is to be preferred.  It seeks to legitimise an epistemology that is rooted in a theological understanding and argues for a rediscovery of the Reformation Christian social conscience.  The final section demonstrates how such a theological understanding can generate a template of reform for both religion and State.

A PDF of the essay is found here.

The supporting conference presentation is found here.