Friday, October 10, 2008
Controversy of Powers
When Charlemagne was crowned emperor of Rome by Pope Leo III many questioned it. Some say the Pope did it for protection from enemies and some say that Charlemagne did it and his advisors noted that they wanted it for him. Obviously, this started a huge controversy on who had the power. The church already had land and power but the coronation of Charlemagne now united the church and state and also started the precedence of popes having the power to make or unmake emperors. We also see in the letter from Pope Gelasius to Emperor Anastasius, "Doctrine of the Two Powers" how the church views their power over the emperor. Pope Gelasius says that kings can rule humans but for anything concerning the divine a king will bow their head to the clergy. He also says that the hearts of the faithful will submit to priests and that people are more obidient becuase of their devotion to the church. It seems that church/pope feels that they should and do have the power over all, emperors and kings included.
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4 comments:
I also found that interesting... the whole church and state blending. And it's still an issue today. I personally feel like the popes had too much power. I don't care how spiritually minded you claim to be... that kind of power can really go to your head and ego. The problem, like you stated, arises when the spiritual power holds precedence over the natural power with men. It says in the Bible that you must obey the law BUT it also says in the Bible that spiritual matters come first when the law clashes with your spiritual morals. So, how do you have a natural law that holds power over religious laws? For most religions, that's not possible. I don't think there's a way to govern above religion... do you?
I agree Cori, I don't think there is a way to govern above religion. This is why there such a huge clash between church and state and why so many want them separated, to avoid all the controversy, but then you get into a government going against your personal religious beliefs and you start all over again. I truly think that it is a never ending circle. Especially now in American with so many immigrants and different cultures and religions in a country that started with basically one religion.
Religion and politics have been some of the most global issues in our planet's history. From the beginning of time our own personal beliefs cause us to clash at the micro and macro level. Religion and politics may cover a large geographic area and be almost universal and still have controversy in their own area. We all have the right to our own opinion and beliefs and this is why there will always be the controversy. The history of Israel and Palestine is one of the most notable examples. Many different religions have held that area and multiple different ruling powers also. Overall thank you for the great conversation and post on Charlemagne and his coronation. I love seeing ties to our early history and today.
I would say that even though the church wanted the Emperors and kings throughout history to feel as if their power was the true supreme power,the church needed the leadership of the emperor far more than they let on. While the church did have some military units, there was much more military power in the hands of the kings and emperors. That military might did act as insurance/ protection and leverage to see the agenda of the church through.
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