Political Philosophy in Christian Culture: From Caesaropapism to St. Thomas Aquinas

Political Models in Christian Culture

Political ideas within Christian culture can be articulated through three primary models:

• Caesaropapism: This model involves the state taking control of religion, concentrating both temporal and spiritual authority in the emperor. Historically, many popes, bishops, and priests were appointed by kings, making the feudal society dependent on civil authority.
• Hierocratic-Papal Model: Contrary to Caesaropapism, this model requires the absorption of political power by the Pope. Pope Gregory VII, in the late 11th century, was the first to act on this, establishing a theocratic situation. His intention was to reform church customs and place bishops under his direct authority.
• Secular Political Theories: Emerging in the late Middle Ages (13th century), these theories represent an attempt to theoretically distinguish between politics and religion.

Historical Context and the Influence of St. Thomas Aquinas

During this period, Platonic philosophy was replaced by the thought of Aristotle, which became fundamental to the work of St. Thomas Aquinas. He performed a synthesis between Christianity and Aristotelian political philosophy.

The doctrine of St. Thomas reflects the situation of his time, where the state was becoming more conscious of itself, even while the church's power remained unquestioned. St. Thomas presents the state as a perfect society, while maintaining the prominence of ecclesiastical power.

The Conflict Between Church and State

The existence of these two powers and their inherent conflicts were previously addressed by St. Augustine in the 4th century in his work, The City of God.

• 11th Century: The papacy was weak due to internal struggles. Gregory VII undertook reforms, asserting the primacy of the Pope, including the power to dismiss emperors and exempt subjects from their fidelity to kings. He claimed that priestly dignity was superior to royal dignity.
• 12th–13th Centuries: The power of kings strengthened, supported by the rising bourgeoisie in cities, who opposed both feudalism and ecclesiastical power.

St. Thomas Aquinas and the Common Good

St. Thomas argued that while there are two purposes for human existence—terrestrial and supernatural—the ultimate end is supernatural. This leads to the subordination of the state to the church, assigning the civil government a religious mission. However, St. Thomas also recognized the independence of the state regarding the common good, though he did not consider this independence to be absolute.