Christian Cyclopedia

View according to which the state is supreme in ecclesiastical affairs. Term derived from name of T. Erastus,* who held that Christian rulers are responsible for external govt. of the ch. and hence could judge men's conduct, settle disputes, and work with pastors in reproving those living immoral lives, but could not debar from the Sacrament. Erastianism has aspects beyond the principles of Erastus, who did not make the ch. subservient to the state but tried to curtail the former's legal and pol. functions. See also Church and State, 12.