Church and State 101

A short history lesson

In the past there were many priest-kings. It was thought sensible for the leader of a state to be in close contact with the gods. This logic still holds true, but in many nations the situation has changed so that a dual leadership exists. The church acts as advisor and educator and the state acts as ruler and keeper of the peace.

This situation was allowed to develop by the gods, because they see in it some advantages. Under the ancient system, entire nations were generally followers of a single patron-god. Although there has never been any official banning of any gods, others were often marginalized. Under the new system, national leaders are encouraged to be more accepting of all the gods. This freedom of religion is considered beneficial for the overall good of mortals.

It should be stressed that no nation has developed an actual separation of church and state. Although several have had periods in which the state has tried to reduce the power and influence of the church. Like wise there have been occasions where the church has tried to expand its power, returning to a theocracy. With gods active in the world, the idea of a purely secular nation is ridiculous. 

Organization

There are basically four Denoms* in Carsis, each one dedicated to a group of gods. The Ellemethar; they are the elder beings who personify the four elements. The Assenen; they are the gods of time, personifying the seasons. The Divine Family- they are the gods personifying the main concepts that mortal society is based upon. The Occara; they are a group of ten gods, who embody the crafts and professions vital to mortal life.
 

In most cultures The Divine Family is the prime Denom, with one of its members being worshipped as patron-god. Meanwhile The Occara are accepted as a secondary Denom, supported by the commoners more than by the nobility. The Assenen play a limited but important role, as each season begins.

*Denom is a term referring to a set of gods within a pantheon, who are closely related, even if members within in it may oppose each other. It is inaccurate to talk of differing religions on Carsis, as the pantheon frame work essentially provides one grand religion.  

In large cities each god may have his or her own church, with dedicated clerics who know little about the other gods. In most towns a church will be devoted to an entire Denom, with clerics having preferred gods but being generally knowledgeable. In villages a single church will serve the entire pantheon with only a few clerics on hand, they will usually be educated about all gods but devoted to the rural type gods. 

 

 Relations between Church and State

The philosophy of the state is largely determined by its patron-god. All people in a nation are expected to accept said philosophy of life to some extent. Rulers of course, must firmly uphold said philosophy or they will lose the support of the church. A ruler who is considered to be opposed to his nation’s patron-god will quickly have a rebellion on his hands.  

The way people think is influenced by the church because it controls basic education. This is considered a good thing; that all people in a nation should have a similar education, stressing certain moral values. Basic education serves two goals; it promotes the patron-god’s philosophy and it supports the established order of society.  Put simply, the state is based on religion and thus supports the church. The church in turn teaches the people lessons that are beneficial for the state, and validates state authority.

Conflicts between Church and State

Problems usually arise over the details of the church’s privileges and responsibilities. Some problems are the result of situational unknowns. Neither church nor state having clear authority over a given question, a precedent must be set. More often, problems result from the ambitions of men. State leaders may try to force the church into carrying out its duties, while restricting its privileges. Conversely, church leaders may try to expand their privileges.

The most common point of contention is over land holdings and taxation. It was demonstrated in the past that giving full exemption from all taxation to a church was a dangerous thing for a state to do. Land acquired by the church could not be taxed, thus as the church gained more land, the state lost its main source of revenue. Today most states tax the estates of a church just as they would any noble’s holdings, while letting church property in towns and the income from tithes, go untaxed. 

The other common conflict is when a church devoted to a god who is not the nation's patron, tries to gain influence. As each god openly proclaims that they have the best philosophy to lead a good life, competition is expected. Usually this clash of ideas is done respectfully with civility. That is to say by politics, public opinion manipulation and negotiations between the churches. But occasionally violence erupts. If the ruler stays loyal to the old patron god, the trouble making church is usually crushed. However if he thinks there are advantages to a "glorious new age" he will try to use the state's power demote the old patron.