The Anatomy of a Hybrid: A Study in Church-State Relationships

by Leonard Verduin

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 1976

Overview

Leonard Verduin views with alarm the modern rise of monolithic societies, in which all members are expected to have the same ultimate loyalty and there is no room for diversity of conviction. He believes that for a person to be his proper self he must be able to exercise choice in the presence of genuine options. In order to enjoy this full humanness, a person must be part of a pluralistic—or “composite”—society, which the author believes is a by-product of the world-view of authentic Christianity. But ever since the Hebrews’ desire for a king, the Judaeo-Christian world has tried to set up “sacral” societies, where all members of the nation are automatically members of the religious unit, and where the sword of the state is employed to enforce the creeds of the church.

This book traces the history of the conflict between that church- state alliance (the “hybrid”) and the “rival church,” those seeking to follow Christ’s criterion that decision and commitment, not mere birth into a society, are the marks of membership in his body. The book elucidates Jesus’ confrontations with the Sanhedrin, the persecutions of the Constantinian era, Calvin’s Geneva, and Roger Williams’ prob- lems with the colonial Puritans.

The final section of the book brings the scene to North America. It is probably fair to say that no feature of the “American experiment” has been quoted more frequently or examined as carefully as the First Amendment to the Constitution: “Congress shall make no laws touch- ing the establishment of religion nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Since this book traces the evolution of freedom of religion, it appears at the very opportune occasion of America’s celebration and re-examination of its unique heritage.

Key Features

• Examines biblical and historical cases
• Focuses on freedom of religion in North America
• Traces the history of the conflict between that church-state alliance

Contents

• Introduction
• The Daughters of Men
• Sons of God
• The Birth of the Hybrid
• And Also Afterward
• Episode One
• Episode Two
• Postscript

Praise for the Print Edition

Leonard Verduin has written a powerful monograph on the evils of the ancient sacral states, the tragic union of church and state from the fourth century, and the monstrous tragedies of all totalitarianisms. The Anatomy of a Hybrid is based on thorough research, displays keen wit and cool courage, and is written in a vigorous and clear style. It is especially appropriate to release this book on America’s bicentennial, for it was here that the evil union of church and state was forever broke-n by the First Amendment. Highly recommended.

—J. C. Wenger, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries

Product Details

• Title: The Anatomy of a Hybrid: A Study in Church-State Relationships
• Author: Leonard Verduin
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Print Publication Date: 1976
• Logos Release Date: 2020
• Pages: 274
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Church and state › History; Religious liberty › History
• ISBNs: 9780802816153, 0802816150
• Resource ID: LLS:ANATOMYOFAHYBRID
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T21:52:27Z