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I’m not a fan of imperial religion. While we may find examples through history of faith-based polities that were just and successful, rarely does religion emerge unscathed from its encounters with political power.

If the impulse of faith is to reform all of society and hold the powerful to account, the danger is that in their hands it will become a coopted institution which sanctifies their rule and actions, whatever their actual conduct.

Of course, there is a counter argument in which it may be posited that if a ruler is just, their power is a necessity for repelling unjust forces and protecting the rights and freedoms of the people.

A fair point, if those in power are indeed just and invested in improving the lives of the population. If they can be seen to be investing in health, welfare, education and research, then we may give them that pass.

Political power which protects people from the ravaging forces of hegemonic greed may be embraced by all. But rarely do we encounter such principled ethics.

More often the elixir of power corrupts those that seek it. Instead, we find them amassing great wealth, while instituting policies which benefit only themselves and their allies.

For the common person — you and I — the difficulty is differentiating between the two. Astute politicians, if the population is religious, are often experts in coopting pious sentiment to retain power at any cost.

That’s why I personally would seek to stay as far away from the reaches of political power as possible. I am of a more grassroots persuasion in my application of faith practice.

That is, we work at the local level to bring about positive change in our families, neighbourhoods and communities. We bring about meaningful change by reforming our hearts and deeds.

In truth, there is little we commoners can do to effect whole societal change. Those at the top, with their stupendous wealth, corrupted by the lobbying demands of the arms industry, big data and global finance, cannot be steered by the powerless.

But good people will respond to a message of hope, mercy, justice and good living. These we encounter amongst us — of many faiths — striving to make life better for all. For me, it is these we should ally ourselves with. If they are kind, just and merciful, we should stand with them.

For me, that is the impulse of faith.