In 380 CE Christianity was effectively adopted as the official religion of the Roman empire and as the church's power and influence grew , its relationship with state becomes a disputed issue. One of the first political philosopher to address this question was Augustine of Hippo, scholar and teacher who became a convert to Christianity . In his attempt to integrate classical philosophy into the religion , he was greatly influenced by his study of p l a t o , which also formed the basis for his political thinking.
As a Roman citizen A u g u s t i n e believed in the tradition of a state bound by the rule of law but as a scholar he agreed with Aristotle and p l a t o that the goal of the state was to enable its people to lead the good and Virtuous life .For a Christian, this means living by the divine laws described by the church however, a u g u s t i n believed that, in practice, human lived according to divine laws, and the vast majority lived in a state of s i n . He distinguished between two kingdoms city of God and city of Earth in latter Kingdom , sin predominates. A u g u s t i n e sees the influence of the church on the state as the only mean to ensure that the laws of the land are made with reference to divine laws allowing people to live in the city of God .The presence of such just laws distinguishes or State from a band of robbers .Robberd and pirates join together under a leader to steal from the neighbours.The robbers may have rules, but they are not just rules. However, A u g u s t i n e further points out that even in a sinful city of Earth Day authority of the state can ensure order through rule of law ,and order is something we all have to reason to want.
JUST WAR
Augustine's emphasis on Justice, with its root in Christian Doctrine also applied to the business of War .While he believed all want to be Evil and that to attack and plunder other states was unjust, he conceded that a "just war"fought for a Just Cause, such as defending the state against aggression or to restore peace ,did exist ,though it should be embarked upon with regret and only as a last resort .This conflict between secular and divine law and the attempt to Reconcile the two, began the power struggle between Church and the state that run through the middle ages.
"Without justice and Association of men in the bond of law cannot possibly continue."
_ Augustine
As a Roman citizen A u g u s t i n e believed in the tradition of a state bound by the rule of law but as a scholar he agreed with Aristotle and p l a t o that the goal of the state was to enable its people to lead the good and Virtuous life .For a Christian, this means living by the divine laws described by the church however, a u g u s t i n believed that, in practice, human lived according to divine laws, and the vast majority lived in a state of s i n . He distinguished between two kingdoms city of God and city of Earth in latter Kingdom , sin predominates. A u g u s t i n e sees the influence of the church on the state as the only mean to ensure that the laws of the land are made with reference to divine laws allowing people to live in the city of God .The presence of such just laws distinguishes or State from a band of robbers .Robberd and pirates join together under a leader to steal from the neighbours.The robbers may have rules, but they are not just rules. However, A u g u s t i n e further points out that even in a sinful city of Earth Day authority of the state can ensure order through rule of law ,and order is something we all have to reason to want.
JUST WAR
Augustine's emphasis on Justice, with its root in Christian Doctrine also applied to the business of War .While he believed all want to be Evil and that to attack and plunder other states was unjust, he conceded that a "just war"fought for a Just Cause, such as defending the state against aggression or to restore peace ,did exist ,though it should be embarked upon with regret and only as a last resort .This conflict between secular and divine law and the attempt to Reconcile the two, began the power struggle between Church and the state that run through the middle ages.
"Without justice and Association of men in the bond of law cannot possibly continue."
_ Augustine
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