As I sit in Israel listening to the CBC World Service on my cellphone, I can’t help but reflect on the ongoing debates about the intersection of religion and politics around the world. These discussions aren’t just theoretical—they’re real, consequential, and unfolding in countries with vastly different histories and cultures. Recently, I heard several stories that made me think about how different nations try to balance—or struggle to balance—religion and governance. Two, in particular, stood out to me.

Bhutan: A Buddhist State Embracing Secularism

One segment by Sushmita Pathak looked at the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan. Although Bhutan is officially a Buddhist state, it has embraced a surprisingly secular model of governance. This contrast has resulted in some intriguing contradictions. For instance, despite the country’s deep spiritual connection to Buddhism, around 17,000 Buddhist monks are excluded from voting in elections, and churches are banned by the government. This situation creates an unusual tension between its religious heritage and democratic ambitions. Bhutan’s struggle to reconcile its religious roots with its secular aspirations serves as a compelling case study on how secularism and religious identity can coexist, often in ways that challenge our understanding of both.¹

Bougainville: Matrilineal Devotion and Catholic Faith

Then there’s Bougainville, a tropical island in the South Pacific. Throughout the 20th century, American and European missionaries travelled there in an effort to convert its Indigenous people to Catholicism. Yet Bougainville’s matrilineal society had long held that women are divine, serving as spiritual guardians of their sacred, life-giving land. This reverence is passed down from grandmothers to mothers to daughters. It is no surprise, then, that the people of Bougainville hold the Virgin Mary in high esteem, almost on par with Christ. This devotion is exemplified by a reporter’s account of how the locals found hope and strength in the miraculous survival of a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, which endured devastating flames. The reverence for women ties deeply into the island’s religious devotion, highlighting how religion can influence cultural practices, governance, and societal roles. It made me think about how religion molds our values and systems—often in surprising ways.²

Israel: Faith Woven Into the State

Israel, of course, is another example where religion and politics are deeply entwined. Its founding is rooted in Jewish tradition, and the teachings of the Torah continue to shape law, culture, and national identity. Even widely celebrated holidays like Passover carry deep political and spiritual significance. The Seder, where families retell the story of Exodus, recalls the Israelites’ liberation from slavery—a foundational narrative that still defines Jewish culture and continues to shape the Israeli sense of purpose and nationhood.

The Torah’s influence extends well beyond the Seder. Its commandments—like those in Exodus against oppressing foreigners or bearing false witness—are embedded in Israel’s legal system and have even shaped Western legal traditions, including those in the U.S. and Britain. It’s remarkable how ancient ethical ideas can echo across centuries and civilizations.

Of course, Israel is not without internal tension. The current unrest over Prime Minister Netanyahu’s judicial reforms echoes the moral and political struggles found in the Five Books of Moses. Just as the Israelites in the desert faced disputes and rebellion, Israel today wrestles with the complex relationship between faith, governance, and justice. Still, the Jewish vision of a peaceful world—where nations coexist harmoniously—remains alive. It’s a vision deeply rooted in Torah teachings that call for justice and kindness for all, regardless of background or belief.

Jewish Values and the West

In her recent book, The Founder’s Stone, Melanie Phillips explores how Jewish values have shaped Israel and influenced Western civilization. She shows how many of the ethical foundations of Western law and morality trace back to Jewish teachings—but she also warns that the West is in danger of forgetting these roots. I think about that often, especially when those principles seem absent in today’s public conversations.

For me, the Exodus story³ isn’t just a historical account; it’s an ongoing call to justice. Celebrating Passover this year reminds us that the pursuit of justice, kindness, and compassion is never truly finished. It’s something we must continue to strive for—not only for ourselves but for everyone.

Balancing Faith and Power

When I think about Bhutan, Bougainville, and Israel, I realize how complex the relationship between religion and politics can be. Each country offers its own way of navigating—or clashing with—the pressures of faith and the demands of modern governance. In Israel, the Torah still shapes both private belief and public law, showing that religion remains a powerful force in shaping a nation’s identity and future. Whether religion and politics should mix or stay separate is a question we’ll likely keep grappling with for years to come.

Footnote:

1. Pathak, Sushmita. “How a Deeply Buddhist Bhutan Keeps Religion and Politics from Mixing.” The World, 4 Apr. 2025, www.theworld.org/stories/2025/04/04/how-a-deeply-buddhist-bhutan-keeps-religion-and-politics-from-mixing.
2. Winn, Patrick. “On This Remote Isle, a Saint Mary Icon Endured Flames of War.” The World, 2 Apr. 2025, www.theworld.org/segments/2025/04/02/on-this-remote-isle-a-saint-mary-icon-endured-flames-of-war.
3. “The Story of the Exodus.” NJOP, www.njop.org/passover/the-story-of-the-exodus/.