Religione civile: uso e abuso di un concetto

Civil religion: uses and misuses of a concept. The analysis of the concept of “civil religion” shows an ambiguity caused by the mix between religion and morality, and religion and politics. The idea behind is the sacralization of politics in order to assure its autonomy from historic religions. Civil religion supporters individuate in this cultural position two positive results: the opening of politics to transcendence and the ethical legitimation of communitarian linkages. The article examines these two aspects, in the light of constitutionalism, human rights and current pluralism. The conclusion is that the concept must be considered misleading.