Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the controversy between W. Warburton and J. J. Rousseau on civil religion, es-pecially with regard to the relevance of this concept for the political theory of both philosophers. In order to analyze this, we consider the relationship between Church and State in Warbur-ton and the importance of religion for the political order, the significance of a harmonious alliance between Church and State and the pertinence of Christi-anity for this association. Furthermore, we explain Rousseau’s categoriza-tion of civil religion with regard to the deficiency of the intellect, the necessity to complement it and the particular character of religion. Finally, we expose the dilemma of the tolerance of these theories.