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

The opponents of Erastianism had a deep sense of their corporate Church, and it was a plea for ecclesiastical freedom that they were making.

From Political Thought in England from Locke to Bentham by Laski, Harold Joseph

There can be little doubt indeed of the Erastianism of Justinian nor of his encouragement of the bishop of Ravenna.

From Ravenna, a Study by Hutton, Edward

In a letter to Godley he complains bitterly of the "Erastianism" of this action, and of the attempt to make him an accomplice in such proceedings.

From A History of the English Church in New Zealand by Purchas, H. T. (Henry Thomas)