Is the State Replacing Religion?

With the introduction of so many government social programs over the course of the last century and current talk about socialized health care, the role of religion in America seems to be dwindling. The government, with its programs, has filled large portions of what has traditionally been religion’s niche, specifically, the reforming of society. Religions, specifically Christianity in America (being the dominant religion), have, in previous centuries been the main source of organization to improve the living conditions for the underprivileged and disadvantaged in society. Since the beginning of the century, however, (more specifically the Great Depression and WWII years) American government has taken a much larger role in the lives of its citizens. This is good in the sense that the government offers much more stability and better sources of funding for such programs (being able to tax citizens rather than relying on donations) which is to the great advantage of those who utilize the programs. This change can also be seen in a negative light as well. With the state essentially taking the place of organized religion in terms of matters of social concern, religions have lost a lot of power, both monetary and in terms of social support to be able to make a positive contribution to society. People are less apt to donate to a local church which may have programs to help the poor because they are already paying taxes which support similar programs. Also, because of the negative side of politics much of the funding may be burnt away in pork barrel projects or pay for all the bureaucratic tape that holds back the programs own fruition because of petty partisan arguments. While the congregations and denominations are not without their own squabbles, they at least have some sense of independence from each other which allows them to carry on separately. The churches in America still have the ability to make a difference in society, however, since the government has taken over the role of primary provider for the populous and the churches are quite limited in their interaction with the state, it seems that the role of religion is becoming one more of dialog than of action. And if the future is going to continue on in a similar fashion, then it seems to me that, in order to keep up with the government (and hopefully protect the people from the potential abuse of the government) the different churches and religions in general need to start crossing the borders of denomination and dogma in order to make a difference in this changing world. The current situation in which all religions are fractured into different their separate spheres only works to fracture people, harm spirituality in general, and also weaken religion as a facilitator of positive social change. National governments seem to be taking the place of religions (especially in the practical forms of socialism and communism, which actually negate and replace religions) and it is up to the various religions of the world to come to terms with their similarities in order to fulfill their own goals of improving humanity, which seems to me at least to be the very point of religion, that is, bringing people together and improving their lives here on earth (which will hopefully transfer on to whatever afterlife is coming).