ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book suggests that an increase in the interaction between the State and religion is a net positive for religion; increased restrictions on religious practice also involve an increase in interaction. It considers examples of restrictions on religious practice by the State. For Roman Catholics, Jehovah's Witnesses, Scientologists and Muslims the interactions during the relevant periods were far from positive. The book considers three case studies in the relationship between the State and religion: State restriction on religion, education and funding. It examines the history of each case study outlining the major changes in law and government policy. When taken together they demonstrate the remarkable persistence, evolution and importance of the interaction and relationship between the State and religion. In every decade since European colonization the State has had to grapple with at least one important issue in its interaction with religion.
