The analysis of the concept of "civil religion"shows an ambiguity caused by the mix between religion and morality, and religion and politics.The idea behind is the sacralization of politics in order to assure its autonomy fromhistoric religions. Civil religion supporters individuate in this cultural position two positiveresults: the opening of politics to transcendence and the ethical legitimation of communitarianlinkages. The article examines these two aspects, in the light of constitutionalism, humanrights and current pluralism. The conclusion is that this concept is misleading.