POLI/THEO-561 – Church and State: Theology, Order, and Conflict in Politics

The relationship between Church and State has long been one of the most complex and contentious issues in political thought. This seminar seeks to elucidate the theological foundations of governance, authority, and the struggle for harmony between divine and temporal power. The seminar will examine key paradigms that have shaped this relationship. Attention will be given to the foundational distinction between the civitas Dei and the civitas terrena, exploring how theological commitments influence political structures. We then analyze the liberal-Catholic MC attempt to integrate ecclesiastical and secular governance within the modern state, considering both its promises and tensions. Finally, we explore the concept of societas perfecta, which critiques the underlying assumptions of liberal democracy, particularly the separation of nature and grace. Through close readings, historical case studies, and theoretical analysis, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how different theological frameworks conceive of sovereignty, law, and the ultimate purpose of human society.