caesaropapism Definition
- 1a political theory in which the head of state, notably the emperor ('caesar'), is also the supreme head of the church ('pope')
- 2a system in which the temporal ruler extends his own powers to ecclesiastical and theological matters
Using caesaropapism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "caesaropapism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The Byzantine Empire was an example of caesaropapism.
Example
In caesaropapism, the emperor had the power to appoint bishops and patriarchs.
Example
The Russian Tsars practiced caesaropapism, which led to conflicts with the Orthodox Church.
caesaropapism Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for caesaropapism
- theocracy
- imperial supremacy
- state religion
Phrases with caesaropapism
a term used to describe the relationship between the secular and religious authorities in caesaropapism
Example
The symphony of powers in the Byzantine Empire allowed the emperor to have control over both the church and the state.
a political and religious doctrine that asserts a monarch's legitimacy is conferred directly by God
Example
The concept of divine right of kings is often associated with caesaropapism.
the principle of separation of government institutions and persons mandated to represent the state from religious institutions and religious dignitaries
Example
Caesaropapism is the opposite of secularism, where the state and the church are separate entities.
Origins of caesaropapism
from the combination of 'Caesar' and 'pope' in Greek
Summary: caesaropapism in Brief
The term 'caesaropapism' [see-zer-uh-pey-piz-uhm] refers to a political theory in which the head of state, notably the emperor ('caesar'), is also the supreme head of the church ('pope'). This system allows the temporal ruler to extend his own powers to ecclesiastical and theological matters. Examples of caesaropapism include the Byzantine Empire and the Russian Tsars. The term is often associated with the 'symphony of powers,' 'divine right of kings,' and the opposite of secularism.
