STATE VS. GOD: ON AN ATHEISTIC IMPLICATION OF EUROPEAN STATISM Cover Image

STATE VS. GOD: ON AN ATHEISTIC IMPLICATION OF EUROPEAN STATISM
STATE VS. GOD: ON AN ATHEISTIC IMPLICATION OF EUROPEAN STATISM

Author(s): Paweł Tarasiewicz
Subject(s): Philosophy, Political Philosophy, Social Philosophy
Published by: International Étienne Gilson Society
Keywords: atheism; statism; Christianity; God; Christ; Hobbes; Hegel

Summary/Abstract: The article consists of four parts. First, it gives an example of statism present in contemporary Europe which consists in giving a priority of loyalty to the state at the expense of loyalty to God. Secondly, it traces the idea of European statism in the thought of Hobbes and Hegel to show how the state was to replace or equal God’s authority. Thirdly, it considers whether democracy can efficiently protect against statism. Finally, it explores the words of Jesus Christ—“Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s”—to formulate an argument against trading Christian faith for the philosophy of statism.

  • Issue Year: 4/2015
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 333-342
  • Page Count: 10
  • Language: English
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