010013 SE The Relationship between Church and State from Antiquity to the Modern Period (2019W)

While Christians in the first centuries tried to be loyal and obedient to the state, acknowledging the political order as given from God, the Roman Empire, its political elite and the people, looked suspiciously at the new religion with its pacifistic and strictly monotheistic convictions. The situation changed radically when Emperor Constantine ended violent persecution and recognized Christianity as an "allowed religion". At the end of the 4th century, Christianity emerged as the predominant religion and shaped the cultural, juridical and social life of the Roman Empire. Despite the improved relationship with the emperors, Christian communities and churches insisted on a certain independence from and a critical stance toward the secular rulers, emphasizing the two different areas of religious and secular authority and competence. The tensions and controversies between these two realms shaped not only western civilization but also Christianity and the churches themselves until this day.
The seminar will study some of the major controversies and clashes between Christianity (resp. the churches) and the secular powers from Antiquity to the Modern Period. History shows both ongoing efforts of emancipation and distancing of the Church from secular authorities, as well as attempts by secular rulers to take possession of Church property and to usurp or manipulate the administration and practice of the Christian religion. Profound knowledge of the history of this relationship between Church and State will enable students to participate in the controversial debates about the public role of the churches and their rights and duties within the contemporary secular state in a more educated and informed way.
Method: Study, analysis, interpretation and summaries of central historical texts and sources; discussion of recent literature and of the main historiography regarding the related topics.