Church and State Throughout the Centuries: Tales of Conflict and Confusion

Abstract

We live in an age of conflict and confusion. Churches and states have struggled to define why they exist, what their roles should be, and how they relate to each other in these quickly moving and changing times. There is nothing new under the sun, however. Conflict and confusion between church and state have existed since the fall. History is thus a good teacher. How did the two kingdoms, or spheres, react to similar challenges in the past? What conflicts arose between them? Where and how were their roles confused? How have these experiences shaped our own experience today? This essay will explore such questions through pertinent case studies from the past.