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"It is precisely in a secular state--which is supposed to be totally separated from religion--that it is essential for state law to define, again and again, what genuine religion is, [...]

Religion has been important in a number of localities such as Peru, Iran and Mexico. There was a view that religion would become less imprtant as societies modernized, but this has not proved to be the case. Relations between state and church can be viewed from a perspective that is interest-based and institutional. This is a more fruitful approach than simply focusing on ideas. Religious authorities may have more power in the inital phases of developing a state, and their power may be eroded as secular rivals are eliminated by state officials.