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

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

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

This was the “square cap” so virulently denounced by the Puritans as a symbol of High Church Erastianism.

From Project Gutenberg

They have received no reformation from those whose lives were a scandal to all Christian men: they are not mixed up with the Lutheran or Calvinistic heresy: nor has Erastianism eaten out their life.

From Project Gutenberg