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

Derived Forms

• Erastian
  noun

Etymology

Origin of Erastianism

First recorded in 1675–85; Erastian + -ism

Example Sentences

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

He has gone into the hills against 'shams,' as they did against Prelacy, Erastianism, and so forth.

From On the Choice of Books by Carlyle, Thomas

It suggested the subordination of Church to State; and men like Hickes and Leslie were quick to point out the Erastianism of the age.

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

Perhaps it is not possible to obtain a clear conception of Erastianism better than by the study of these propositions.

From The Works of Mr. George Gillespie (Vol. 1 of 2) by Gillespie, George