A CLERIC AND A KNIGHT (A.D. 1296) An interesting, classical, early precedent for America's system of Church-State checks and balances. Circulated in northern Europe, much to the annoyance of Rome. During the late 13th Century, somewhere in Europe, two travelers meet and have a brief conversation about the proper relationship of Church and State. A learned Cleric argues that the Bishop of Rome has the "right" to control all the world's wealth, with the authority to appoint and depose all leaders, religious and political, worldwide. Spiritualities, being eternal, are obviously superior to Temporalities, which are only things of this world, and therefore are subordinate. Since the Head of the Church of Rome, directly and solely under God, is in charge of all Spiritual things, he also is clearly in charge of all lesser Temporal things as well, including the military forces of any king. An unsophisticated Knight, a simple man-at-arms, easily demolishes such claims by simple Scripture reference: Peter was to be like Christ before, not after the Resurrection...was to be like Christ in His humility, not His power (Mt 28:18). Therefore, concludes the Knight, based on very plain Scripture: Church = servant, not ruler. Moreover, since Royal Power existed centuries before the Papacy, Temporalities (i.e. food, money, land, justice, etc.) are to be administered by Kings, not by the Church, whose primary duty is to preach and teach Salvation. This is balanced by the requirement a King is to see that "whatever is necessary should be provided for those who minister". 310 years later, American Civilization, founded by the 1606 Virginia Charter, conjoined Law and Grace similarly, but without either King or Pope. Who was to secure the Ministry? State power! Was it o.k. for a Minister to be in public office? Yes...but Church Ministers may never become head of State! |