The Separation of Church and State in Catholicism and the Emergence of the Objective Right in the Middle Ages

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Faculty of Humanities, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran

Abstract

 
Introduction
Christianity has been engaged with the issue of the relationship between church and state since its inception. Although scriptural evidence points to the autonomy of these two spheres, the Catholic Church's response has been shaped by its social and political circumstances. Pope Gelasius I acknowledged the independence of both entities, but Pope Boniface VIII, through his decree "Unam Sanctam," attempted to place the state under the church's dominion. Political philosophers have been drawn to either side based on their philosophical beliefs, the context of their times, and their interpretation of sacred texts. The tradition seen in Augustine's work respected the aforementioned autonomy. Conversely, Thomas Aquinas developed a theoretical framework for the pope's claim to supremacy. Theologians like Marsilius of Padua and William of Ockham viewed these claims as heretical. The concept of subjective right emerged from these discussions.
Methods
This study adopts a descriptive-analytical research methodology. Efforts have been made, as much as possible, to reference primary sources, that is the works of the thinkers under discussion. Nonetheless, to achieve a thorough comprehension of the texts within their respective historical milieus, due consideration has been given to the relevant historical and cultural contexts in which each work was composed. Consequently, secondary sources have also been consulted. Data collection was carried out through comprehensive library research.
Findings
The debate encompassed not only political thought but also logic and metaphysics, with both parties seeking to bolster their arguments with metaphysical underpinnings. The Franciscans, in their defense of evangelical poverty and their efforts to limit papal power, were particularly noteworthy. The prevailing view, largely put forth by Michel Villey, is that Ockham's nominalism, with its emphasis on empiricism, individualism, and rejection of Aristotelian metaphysics, played a crucial role. Brian Tierney, however, challenges this notion. This essay explores the disagreement between these two historians and demonstrates that it is inaccurate to assign a specific metaphysical stance to each side. For example, Marsilius of Padua, as one of the originators of the subjective concept of right, was an Aristotelian. Additionally, the essay discusses the influence of medieval political ideas on modern thinkers such as Grotius and John Locke. In this context, the Salamanca School, an Aristotelian, Thomist, neo-scholastic school, receives particular attention.
Conclusions
 The essay seeks to present the Christian textual contexts that, along with political and social changes, laid the groundwork for the emergence of secularism. It argues that Christianity is equipped with scriptures that support the claims of late medieval thinkers regarding the supremacy of the state over the church. The idea of freedom as liberation from Mosaic Law, the emphasis on faith as the sole condition for salvation, and the well-known phrase "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" are key examples of these textual contexts that provide fertile ground for secularism within Christianity. If this is the case, secularism did not arise in opposition to Christianity but rather as a continuation of it. Therefore, the Christian philosophy of the Middle Ages should be studied as part of the history of secularism. Such textual contexts are not found in other religions. Ignoring this fact has led to the misconception that Islamic classical scriptures can be easily interpreted in a secular manner to present a secul ar Islam. It has become clear that such attempts have been unsuccessful.

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References

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