Erastianism

[ ih-ras-chuh-niz-uhm, -tee-uh-niz- ]

noun

1. the doctrine, advocated by Thomas Erastus, of the supremacy of the state over the church in ecclesiastical matters.

Erastianism

/ ɪˈræstɪəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the theory that the state should have authority over the church in ecclesiastical matters

Derived Forms

• Eˈrastian, nounadjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Erastianism¹

First recorded in 1675–85; Erastian + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of Erastianism¹

C17: named after Thomas Erastus (1524–83), Swiss theologian to whom such views were attributed

Example Sentences

What is known as “Erastianism” would be better connected with the name of Grotius.

From Project Gutenberg

In the sixteenth century there was a vast renaissance of this latter system in a new dress called Erastianism.

From Project Gutenberg

Under its lordly bewitchery, Erastianism prevails in the Established Churches of the kingdom.

From Project Gutenberg

This extreme Erastianism had its roots in Indian as well as Chinese ideas.

From Project Gutenberg

Erastianism is so called from Erastus, a German heretic of the sixteenth century.

From Project Gutenberg