User:Jsknoxesq/Sacro-Clericalism

Sacro-Clericalism is a term describing a sociological approach to religion that centers on ecclesiastical hierarchy and institutional authority.

As the Christian faith in the first centuries after Jesus' departure matured, religious thought developed into an institutional approach. This Sacro-Clericalism period, from the legalization of Christianity until the nineteenth century, is defined by the development of an official church hierarchy, construction of church buildings, the acceptance of common creeds and doctrinal positions, and the definition and development of denominational movements-- all detailing what it meant to be a Christian, at least legitimately and corporately. As Olson states, "The orthodox and catholic Christian church of the Roman Empire was firmly entrenched in nearly every city and region and was prepared to become the dominant religious force within the next hundred years." Soon monastic orders, religious movements, and nationalistic religiosity became integral to being a Christian.

This manifested itself in regular attendance, obedience to denominational codes, and fidelity to specific religious movements. According to Gonzalez, during the Golden Age of Medieval Christianity, "Christendom most nearly approached the ideal of being: one flock, under one shepherd." McGrath claims, "By the fifth century, Christianity had begun to establish itself securely in the Mediterranean region. Five major centers emerged within the region, each of which served as the nucleus of groups of churches: Alexandria, Antioch, Constantinople, Jerusalem, and Rome." Holding the title of a Christian required being under the authority of the Church.

As such, a Sacro-Clerical approach affirms denominational or church control, resists the individual’s right to believe whatever they want to believe, and elevates greater church matters (such as evangelism, missions, fund-raising, etc.) over personal matters. In Sacro-Clericalism, the organization is all; the individual is secondary.

This is the essence of Sacro-Clericalism: spiritual acquiescence to an ecclesiastical body.