Erastianism

American  

[ih-ras-chuh-niz-uhm, -tee-uh-niz-] / ɪˈræs tʃəˌnɪz əm, -ti əˌnɪz- /

noun

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

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Erastianism British  

/ ɪˈræstɪəˌnɪzəm /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• Erastian
  noun

Etymology

Origin of Erastianism

First recorded in 1675–85; Erastian + -ism

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Erastianism

But whether the state might try to dominate religion itself — known in early political theory as Erastianism — was an important concern for Jefferson and Madison.

From New York Times ● Feb. 21, 2012

But the charge of Erastianism – the idea that the church is a wholly owned subsidiary of the state – remains the ultimate theological dirty word.

From The Guardian ● Feb. 15, 2011

Erastianism and Puritanism in turn have led men astray.

From The Christian Use of the Psalter by Arthur Richard Whitham

While not unwilling to profit by Erastianism, they liked its origin kept out of sight.

From The Life of Froude by Herbert W. (Herbert Woodfield) Paul

He had none of the pure Erastianism of Selden, who tells us in his inimitable, cold-blooded way that “a King is a King men have made for their own sakes, for quietness’ sake.”

From Andrew Marvell by John Morley