The Connection between Spiritual Authority and Temporal Power in Traditional Thought: Examination of Seyyed Hossein Nasr's Views on Religious Government

His background of executive activity as a statesman caused Seyyed Hossein Nasr’s thought to be linked with secularism. Examining his background in this context is not separate from his basis of thought rooted in his traditionalist procedures. Valid connection between spiritual authority and temporal power that is one of elements of Traditionalist thoughts, backing Nasr's thought on religious governing. According to religious doctrines that are in contrast with western thoughts, Nasr believes that religion, especially Islam, cannot be separated from the governing realm. This article tries to study Nasr’s theoretical reasons against secularism, i.e. separation of religion and government. Also it shows that how Nasr explains this subject causes someone thinks that there are rooms for influence of secularism in his thought and oppose with him.