How were governments and religion linked in early civilization?
2007-10-24 11:33:30 · 5 answers · asked by oppa 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
In early civilizations, religion and government were deeply intertwined: in Egypt, for example, the Pharoah was considered a living god, and this was common in most other early societies.
However, on a smaller scale (such as a tribal one), religion and government were partners - a shaman, priest or witch-doctor would be given a position of importance, and would be treated as a valuable aide to the chief or clan leader. In this instance, the leader would be responsible for the well-being of the tribe/clan, but the religious aspect would be given quite a bit of weight in determining what was "best" for all involved.
2007-10-24 11:50:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Originally, depending on what country you were in the king, Pharaoh, or Caesar was considered a god and was worshiped ac-cordingly. e.g. Persia, Egypt or Rome.
Or you were a pagan and worshiped everything, but in a lot of countries the church, such as it was, was direct counselor or court of last resort. In other countries the king was a worshiper but the church did not run the country.
When Christianity came along the Jews and certain of the Roman Caesars tried to stamp it out by persecution but because Christianity is a logical belief system it only continued to grow as it does to this day despite persecution in such countries as Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Pakistan and most of the countries in the 10-40 Window. (Those are the latitudes on the globe where most of the countries have come under Islamic rule.)
In England, King Henry VIII appointed himself Leader of the Anglican Church. Then some of the Puritans chose to leave England to be able to worship as they chose. When the Colonies declared Independence there came the separation of church and state and the rest is U. S history.
2007-10-24 18:59:06 · answer #2 · answered by menome b 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason the US was founded was because people in Britain did not like the way their religion was going and wanted to be able to do it their own way.
2007-10-24 18:47:47 · answer #3 · answered by Frosty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
theocracy - some governments were based on the civilization's religion
2007-10-24 18:43:05 · answer #4 · answered by sipoxxtiger 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pikachu offers u his support
2007-10-24 20:07:01 · answer #5 · answered by Charlie M 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋